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.

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.