[UK] Tech issues at HMRC leave accounts inaccessible

Yesterday hundreds of people struggled to log into their HMRC accounts including families trying to renew their tax credits before the deadline, The Sun reports.

Issues getting onto the system prompted a surge of complaints from users throughout July 12.

The problems started at 5am and were still ongoing in the early evening, according to Downdetector.

Around 55 per cent of users said they couldn’t access the website, 29 per cent said they were having trouble with the app and 15 per cent struggled to login.

HMRC's customer support Twitter account confirmed there were issues.

In reply to one customer, HMRC tweeted, "I'm sorry but we're experiencing technical issues with a number of online services and are working to restore them as soon as possible."

The tech issues will be a concern for the thousands of people claiming tax credits who are rushing to renew their claims before the deadline.

Households have only a matter of weeks to renew their claim by July 31 - or they could risk their payments stopping completely.

Furious customers reportedly took to Twitter to complain about the website crash.

One tweeted, "@HMRCcustomers how long is this service down for? I’m trying to access my tax credits."

Another wrote, "When is the issue with PAYE and Tax Credit being unable to accessed [sic] either online or on the App going to be fixed?!?!"

Another user asked, "Why cant [sic] I use the Manage my tax credits section of the HMRC website."

If you're having problems accessing your account

If you can't access your account because of technical issues, there are a number of ways you can ask HMRC for help.

HMRC is replying to customers who are tweeting about their problems, so it might be an idea to get in touch with them via their social media pages.

Start your tweet with @HMRCcustomers between 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

You can also phone up the HMRC for help on 0345 300 3900, and lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone lines are usually less busy Tuesday to Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Other ways to renew tax credits

There are other ways of refreshing your claim for those struggling to renew tax credits online because of the crash or anyone experiencing other technical issues.

HMRC has sent renewal packs out containing information on how to renew. Those who need to renew will have a letter with a red line on it and the words “reply now”. 

People needing to check their details will receive a letter from HMRC with a black line and the words “reply now” on it.

Fill in the forms in the renewal pack and send them to Tax Credit Office, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LR. Or renew over the phone by calling HMRC on 0345 300 3900.

HMRC was approached for comment.

Source: The Sun

(Link and quotes via original reporting)

Yesterday hundreds of people struggled to log into their HMRC accounts including families trying to renew their tax credits before the deadline, The Sun reports.

Issues getting onto the system prompted a surge of complaints from users throughout July 12.

The problems started at 5am and were still ongoing in the early evening, according to Downdetector.

Around 55 per cent of users said they couldn’t access the website, 29 per cent said they were having trouble with the app and 15 per cent struggled to login.

HMRC's customer support Twitter account confirmed there were issues.

In reply to one customer, HMRC tweeted, "I'm sorry but we're experiencing technical issues with a number of online services and are working to restore them as soon as possible."

The tech issues will be a concern for the thousands of people claiming tax credits who are rushing to renew their claims before the deadline.

Households have only a matter of weeks to renew their claim by July 31 - or they could risk their payments stopping completely.

Furious customers reportedly took to Twitter to complain about the website crash.

One tweeted, "@HMRCcustomers how long is this service down for? I’m trying to access my tax credits."

Another wrote, "When is the issue with PAYE and Tax Credit being unable to accessed [sic] either online or on the App going to be fixed?!?!"

Another user asked, "Why cant [sic] I use the Manage my tax credits section of the HMRC website."

If you're having problems accessing your account

If you can't access your account because of technical issues, there are a number of ways you can ask HMRC for help.

HMRC is replying to customers who are tweeting about their problems, so it might be an idea to get in touch with them via their social media pages.

Start your tweet with @HMRCcustomers between 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

You can also phone up the HMRC for help on 0345 300 3900, and lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone lines are usually less busy Tuesday to Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Other ways to renew tax credits

There are other ways of refreshing your claim for those struggling to renew tax credits online because of the crash or anyone experiencing other technical issues.

HMRC has sent renewal packs out containing information on how to renew. Those who need to renew will have a letter with a red line on it and the words “reply now”. 

People needing to check their details will receive a letter from HMRC with a black line and the words “reply now” on it.

Fill in the forms in the renewal pack and send them to Tax Credit Office, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LR. Or renew over the phone by calling HMRC on 0345 300 3900.

HMRC was approached for comment.

Source: The Sun

(Link and quotes via original reporting)