Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the accuracy of the Check Employment Status for Tax service.

The check employment status for tax (CEST) digital service was rigorously tested throughout development, with input from external stakeholders, in accordance with government data standards.

Provided the correct information is entered and HMRC guidance is followed, it will provide a status determination in the vast majority of cases, which HMRC will stand by. Where CEST does not generate an answer, customers are then able to call a dedicated helpline staffed by specialists who can give them further advice.