HMRC is planning to close the VAT registration helpline on 22 May to help shorten application processing times.

According to HMRC, 85% of phone calls to the service are from customers checking the progress of their VAT registration. The tax authority believes that advisers' time would be "better used" processing those applications instead.

After successfully trialling phoneline closures last year, HMRC is confident that closing the helpline will have a positive impact on application processing times.

Customers can usually expect a reply from HMRC within 40 working days of submitting their application.

Any traders who do not receive a response within this timeframe should email HMRC's dedicated email inbox instead of calling the helpline. Customers can expect a reply within five working days.

The general VAT helpline will remain open for other VAT enquiries.

In an email to businesses, HMRC said:

"We're committed to being responsive to our customer needs as part of our HMRC charter standards, and we're keen to make sure our business model represents the best possible value for money for the taxpayer. "

HMRC will keep the decision to close the VAT registration helpline under review.

Get in touch with us about your VAT returns.