In response to representations from practitioner bodies, HMRC are opening special telephone lines throughout the UK to deal specifically with agent queries. The Belfast line opened on 17 July 2008 and the number is 0845 366 7896.

HMRC have published more complete details at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/contacting-priority.htm but in essence when the special number is used, the call should be:

• given priority and answered faster
• put through to an adviser who has at least 12 months experience
• transferred to technicians if necessary to ensure the query is answered wherever possible during the first call

We would be very glad to know what your experience of this new service is like. Please eMail Brian Keegan (brian.keegan@icai.ie) or Norah Collender (norah.collender@icai.ie) so that we can relay ICAI members’ views to HMRC.

ICAI is a member of the HMRC Agents and Advisors Steering Group. This group comprises representatives from the main UK accountancy bodies such as ICAEW and ICAS, and the tax bodies such as CIOT, and meets quarterly with HMRC senior management.