HMRC webchat is great, once you can speak to an adviser. Autopilot makes the process of queuing to speak with an adviser great too!
Just open the webchat page, and when an adviser is ready to speak with you, our plugin automatically draws your attention back.
**Who is Webchat Autopilot for?**
– It’s for the self-employed that visit HMRC webchat and think: “is it working?”, “should I reload the page?”
– It’s for bookkeepers that have better things to do than sit around and wait for the “speak to an adviser now” link to become available.
– It’s for accountants that fill in the form to speak to an advisor only to be told to “try again”.
If you use and value HMRC webchat, Webchat Autopilot is for you!
**How do I use Webchat Autopilot?**
1. Install the Webchat Autopilot browser plugin
2. Head to the HMRC webchat portal for your query (e.g. Self Assessment)
3. Leave the tab open and get on with your day. We’ll notify you when the link is available for you to click.
**Where does it work**
It works across the following HMRC webchat services:
– VAT
– corporation tax
– PAYE for employers
– self assessment
– CIS scheme
– PAYE and income tax
– and more
**Privacy and security**
In short we believe tax is a private matter.
– The content of your webchat’s will never touch our servers.
– Any data collected (e.g. your name and email address) will be stored on secure UK-based data centre.
– We will never sell your details to third parties.
I work in an in-house tax team for a large multinational conglomerate. Unfortunately we don’t have CCMs for all entities in our group, which is where I found auto-pilot to be useful. I prefer using HMRC webchat instead of calling for the ability to save the transcript but still have an issue of finding the right time to contact an advisor without an excessive wait time has been a bit hit and miss.
I initially started with the basic version of this extension which allows you to keep webchat running on a different tab as you’re working on other things. It then gives you an alert and changes the tab over so that you can be ready to speak to a HMRC advisor. This was useful but I’ve since upgraded to the premium version and it’s an absolute gamechanger. You can pre-fill your question and name into the extension which will automatically fill into the HMRC webchat box (do this before you go onto the webchat page – it works a bit too quickly if there is an advisor ready) and I really like how you don’t have to keep clicking refresh when there are no advisors available.
This extension has allowed me to just keep working and keep the webchat in the background until an advisor is ready – no extra time wasted having to keep checking the page, missing someone because you didn’t see it and the prefilling is a nice touch. I’ve tried this for Stamp Duty and Corporation Tax webchats and it’s made the process much easier.
I recommend this product, but for the full experience I think the premium is worth trying. It’s not something you thought you needed to speak to a HMRC advisor but once you’ve had it, it’s hard to work without it (unless you really like queueing and pressing refresh every so often).
Up until about 2 years ago I used to make mashed potatoes with a fork (bare with me – I’m going somewhere with this). Then, in a moment of extravagance I decided to buy a £2.99 potato masher. I can’t tell you how much of a life changer that decision was. I love mash potato, and now I don’t hate to make it! It was such a small change, but the impact was surprisingly large.
Okay, before I go further I’m going to put my cards on the table. I built Webchat Autopilot so maybe you’ll want to try the plugin before you believe my review. I figure it’s okay to review it myself because I’ve personally used it for chatting with HMRC webchat advisors about self assessment and corporation tax… Anyway, with that out the way I think Autopilot is awesome! For me the best bits are:
► It takes away the anxiety of not knowing when the “speak to an advisor” link will appear – because you can just make the plugin wait for you.
► It helps me get into the queue so quickly. It’s freaking amazing to watch the link get auto-clicked, the form automatically filled in. I love it!
I’ve spent a lot of time, effort and energy figuring out how to make HMRC webchat better. This plugin is the best way I know how. I really think it’s like a potato masher… but for HMRC.