Twelve voluntary and community sector organisations have been awarded a share of £5.5m to help customers who need extra support with their tax affairs, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced.

The successful organisations offer a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience to deliver tailored tax and benefits advice. The awards are managed through HMRC's Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme which, for more than a decade, has funded partner organisations to provide free advice and support to customers who may face difficulties in understanding their tax obligations, may have complex needs and are digitally excluded from accessing HMRC services.

Voluntary and community sector organisations who'll get a share of the funding include the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Good Things Foundation, the Money Advice Trust, the Refugee and Migrant Centre, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the Royal Association for Deaf People, Tax Aid and Tax Volunteers, who offer tax guidance for older people.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: "Access to advice about tax and benefits is essential for those who need extra help or support. These organisations provide a truly valuable service, which is why it's absolutely necessary we provide the funding they need to continue their good work."

Angela MacDonald, HMRC's Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, added: "We want to help our customers access the specialist help they need to comply with their tax affairs and claim the benefits they're entitled to. This latest round of funding ensures the excellent support provided by our partners in the voluntary and community sector continues to be in place for customers who need extra support."

The three-year funding pot, worth £1.8m a year, will start in April 2024 and is the 12th round of grant funding HMRC has awarded.