Even more taxing

Further to Allison Plager's article 'Tax is taxing' (Taxation 7 February 2008 page 114) I have another slant on this. I was unable to file on 31 January and the same on 1 February. I phoned the online helpdesk three times to be told three times that it was my fault. I was told in no uncertain terms to change my browser and that I have been 'fortunate not to encounter this problem before'.

I expressed my utter disbelief at this but the story remained the same. At lunchtime on 1 February another phone call to the helpdesk at last produced the admission of 'heavy traffic'. When asked if the deadline would be extended I was told that HMRC had not been advised as they were 'waiting on guidance'. The advice? Just to keep on trying. I was given an e-mail complaints address...