HM Revenue and Customs

You can get help and advice on tax issues from your local HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Centre; look in the telephone book under 'Revenue & Customs' or 'Inland Revenue' and make an appointment. The walk-in high street centres have now all closed. HM Revenue and Customs produces some leaflets on tax but many of the more useful ones have been withdrawn or are now only available online at  www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets. There is a special section of the website for pensioners at www.hmrc.gov.uk/pensioners

You can find out what leaflets are available and order them from the orderline on 0845 9000 404.

If you write to HM Revenue and Customs you should get a reply within 15 days or a letter telling you how long it will take to respond to your query. If you have a complaint you should raise it with the tax office concerned and get the leaflet COP1 'Putting things right. How to complain'. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to help.

Institute of Chartered Accountants

If your tax affairs are complex then you may need the help of an accountant. Make sure they belong to a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Tel: 020 7920 8100) or for The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (Tel: 0131 347 0100). The Institute can put you in touch with local members. Always ask for an indication of the fee before committing yourself.

Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG)

LITRG has a useful website with a specific section for older people.

Tax Aid

If you can't afford advice from an accountant, you can get free and independent advice on tax from the charity TaxAid. Phone 0845 120 3779 between 10am - 12 noon, Monday-Thursday.

Tax Help for Older People

Offers independent advice from qualified tax advisers for older people with a household income below £15,000 a year. Call 0845 601 3321 or check the website www.taxvol.org.uk

This information deals mainly with income tax. Inheritance tax may be due if someone dies, leaving an estate worth more than £300,000. However, no inheritance tax is due on property or money left to a husband or wife or a registered civil partner. More information on inheritance tax is available from your local HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau

Professional bodies

If your tax affairs are complex then you may need the help of
an accountant or tax adviser. Make sure they belong to a
professional body such as those given below:

The Association of Taxation Technicians
Tel: 020 7235 2544
Web: www.att.org.uk

The Chartered Institute of Taxation
Tel: 020 7235 9381
Web: www.tax.org.uk

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
Tel: 020 7920 8100
Web: www.icaew.com

Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland
Tel: 0131 347 0100
Web: www.icas.org.uk
Always ask for an indication of the fee before committing
yourself.

This leaflet deals mainly with income tax. Inheritance tax may be due if someone dies leaving an estate worth more than £312,000. However, usually, no inheritance tax is due on property or money left to a husband, wife or registered civil partner. More information on inheritance tax is available from your local HM Revenue & Customs Enquiry Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Help the Aged produces a range of free advice leaflets,
including leaflets on welfare and disability benefits, pensions
and money management. See the inside cover for details. A free Will Information Pack, which will help you to put your financial affairs in order, is also available. Contact our Wills & Legacies Department on 020 7239 1965 for a copy.