Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to have dealt with HMRC following a bereavement will know that it hasn't always been the easiest task and they may have found it prolonged what is a difficult period.

In 2012 HMRC made a commitment to improve their service and since then they have formed a special bereavement team, so that it is easier to speak to an advisor. They have also started settling the accounts of the deceased in year, rather than at the end of the tax year.

The latest change, due on the 13th October, is the removal of the R27 'Reclaiming tax or paying tax when someone dies'. In its place will be an automated system for deceased PAYE tax payers and a tailored form for self-assessment clients.  Where I welcome the tailored service, I am a little sceptical about the PAYE changes, as these are possible due the new RTI PAYE system - the system that isn't working correctly yet.

If you do suffer a bereavement and you are not sure how to deal with the tax affairs of the deceased or if HMRC have automatically dealt with the tax affairs, please do contact me for advice.