Overview
- HMRC said on X that all telephone helplines were temporarily closed due to a technical issue, with digital services remaining available.
- The department later confirmed lines had reopened by 2:15pm and issued an apology while encouraging use of online services and the HMRC app.
- By 5 January, 6.36 million returns had been filed and nearly 5.65 million still needed to submit, with a £100 penalty for missing the 31 January cutoff and 7.75% interest on late tax.
- Consumer advocates warned the outage compounded existing problems such as long waits and difficulties with Government Gateway access or delays obtaining UTRs, which can block timely filing.
- Taxpayers seeking help are directed to GOV.UK tools and, in Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland’s taxadvice.scot service for free support.