Covid working pressures are still causing long delays within HMRC - we have been advised by their helpline staff, that there is still a 75 working day backlog on processing any paper forms and change requests, ie VAT484 forms etc.
75 working days in reality means 15 weeks, which is an incredible amount of time that reflects the reality of the limited staff that they are able to have working within the HMRC building to open the post, scan the documents into the HMRC system and then having the requests processed by staff members in the relevant departments, most of whom are still having to work from home.
This post is not a negative view on HMRC, quite the contrary - we just wished to highlight that although it may appear on the high street that life is turning back to normal for the majority of the country; the way in which large businesses like HMRC are able to operate, has not yet returned to normal operations.
We ask that where you can, please make use of your government gateway to manage your personal or business tax accounts.
There are times when a form is needed to complete certain types of authority, or to update business details - but for those that have activated their government gateway tax account (we all have one) you may find it easier and quicker to login and update your details online.
If you have not got access or heard of a government gateway account, then below is a link to HMRCs website with more details on how to get access.
Register for HMRC Online Services