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HMRC wants to make the best use of its resources, so it plans to move support staff to work on handling applications for VAT registration. As a result, HMRC will shut down its support for VAT registration on Monday, May 22. The helpline was set up to help businesses with questions about their VAT registration forms.
At the moment, 85% of calls to the helpline come from traders who want to know how their applications are coming along. HMRC thinks the time advisors spend taking these calls could be better-spent processing applications.
Based on last year’s tests, HMRC is positive that closing the VAT registration helpline will greatly affect how long it takes to handle an application. It could cut down the current service level of 40 working days. However, it’s important to remember that some cases may take longer.
Traders who sent their forms more than 40 working days ago and want to know how far along they are should contact HMRC through the email box for VAT registrations. Those who have not heard back about their first entry within 40 business days will get an answer to their email within five business days.
Before the 40 working days are up, traders can use HMRC’s “Where’s my reply” tool to find out when they will get an answer.
Traders can still call the general VAT service on 0300 200 3700 if they have questions about the application. HMRC will monitor the move to close the helpline for VAT registration and make changes as needed.