HMRC helplines are already under huge pressure. One of the most common complaints is the long wait times experienced, which can increase costs and eat into time that could be better spent elsewhere in your business. Unfortunately, the next three weeks are set to be significantly worse, as strike action will mean over 400 workers walk out in disputes over pay, job security and pensions. This is likely to affect you if you need to contact HMRC about self-assessment, PAYE, NI, or the construction industry scheme. The strike dates are:

• May – 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31
• June – 1, 2

Try to contact HMRC now if you have a genuinely urgent query. Remember that a lot of information can be obtained via your personal tax or business tax account. If you have an accountant or tax advisor, they may be able to help with any technical queries. Otherwise, HMRC has a number of other methods of contact that can help.