Contacting HMRC

[BizzyMissy]

Can anyone advise on the best way to contact HMRC without calling?

Every year I do a tax return via self assessment and for the last few years I have always been due a small refund. Each year previously I have requested the refund in my return, provided bank details and had the refund credited to my bank account in 4 or 5 working days after submitting the return.

I did the same this year but no refund appeared. After a few weeks, I checked my Personal Tax Account and saw the refund due sitting as a credit. I clicked "request a refund" and four weeks later still no refund and my personal tax account is still showing the credit! I haven't changed my bank account or any personal details so no idea why the refund has not been processed so believe it's now time to follow up except there doesn't appear to be anyway to do this other than call. I haven't called for years as I usually find I can do everything I need to do online and I now see that phones are 9-5 Mon to Fri (believe you used to be able to call in the evening or Saturday mornings). Surely this can't be the only way to contact them? I have a busy job and am usually in and out of meetings so can't sit in a call queue for 40 minutes in office hours.

Any ideas? I thought there might be secure messaging in the personal tax account but there only seems to be an inbox. Thanks!

And yes, I’m told to be in to collaborate with colleagues. I have two immediate colleagues. They may or may not be in the same days as me. And I may or may not be able to sit near them.

Perfect.

I’ve used the online chat several times with great success. It can be much easier and more efficient to layout your query in writing so you can both refer back to it than try and explain verbally.

Thanks so much for the responses. I have decided to try the webchat and then (bizarrely!) write a letter if I can't get help from the webchat. Phone wil be a very last resort.

Oh shush.

Yes 60% in the office. Tracked and everything!

Write to them .
it works !