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People who have suffered bereavement and who need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will now find improved and streamlined processes from this month.

Because bereavement can be a very difficult time, the department has created a dedicated telephone helpline and address box for people who need to contact HMRC about PAYE and Self Assessment matters relating to bereavement.

Family members or personal representatives who phone HMRC about tax and bereavement will also be able to speak to a dedicated team of advisors.

HMRC has, in addition, simplified its guidance and letters to customers to make the process of dealing with tax following bereavement more straightforward. After feedback from customers and tax specialists, the main form that customers use to finalise the tax affairs of anyone who has died, the R27, has also been redesigned to make it easier to complete.

The new form is now available - R27 – Reclaiming tax or paying tax when someone dies.

Stephen Banyard, Acting Director General of Personal Tax, said:

“We know that bereavement can be a very stressful and difficult time for family members. We want to settle the estates of customers who have died as easily and sensitively as possible. HMRC has been working closely with the voluntary sector and customers to improve the experience when dealing with the department after someone has died.

“It is vital that we communicate sensitively with people who have suffered bereavement. Our helpline, as well as the other changes that we will introduce over the next two years, will help us to do that.”

Notes to editors 1. Joint statement issued by Tax Professionals and HMRC – http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/juap-140520.pdf

2. Initially, the new service will focus on Self Assessment (SA) or Pay as you earn (PAYE) tax matters, and is targeted at customers who do not have accountants or solicitors acting on their behalf.

3. The Bereavement Helpline is on 0845 300 0627, where callers will be able to select option buttons to speak to a bereavement tax adviser, 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturday.

4. The address for PAYE and Self Assessment matters relating to bereavement:

HM Revenue & Customs
Pay As You Earn & Self Assessment
PO Box 4000
Cardiff
CF14 8HR

5. The form R27 now allows people to nominate a personal representative to act on their behalf. Details of the surviving partner can be provided on the form so that HMRC can also review their tax affairs. Explanatory notes have been created to help customers fill in the form.

6. Professional tax agents should continue with their existing arrangements for telephoning about Self Assessment or PAYE clients. If there will be a delay in sending form R27 and an agent needs to correspond with HMRC, the existing agents authorisation process will need to be followed.

7. Follow HMRC online @HMRCgovuk

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