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HMRC Help Number: How to Contact HMRC and Get the Help You Need

Trying to find the correct HMRC help number can be frustrating, particularly when you have a tax question that needs answering quickly. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) deals with several different types of tax, and each department has its own telephone number, opening times and responsibilities.

Whether you are an employee with a question about your tax code, self-employed and struggling with your Self Assessment tax return, a landlord with rental income to declare, or a limited company director dealing with Corporation Tax, contacting the right HMRC department can save you considerable time.

In this guide, we explain the main HMRC telephone numbers, when you can call, how to contact HMRC online and what information you should have ready before speaking to an adviser.

Table of Contents

1. HMRC telephone numbers at a glance
2. hmrc help number
3. Hmrc help number opening times
4. Which HMRC department should you contact?
5. Can you contact HMRC online instead of calling?
6. What information should you have ready before calling HMRC?
7. Why can it be difficult to get through to HMRC?
8. What should you do if HMRC does not resolve your problem?
9. Conclusion

HMRC Telephone Numbers at a Glance

Before looking at individual departments, here is a quick reference table containing some of the most commonly used HMRC telephone numbers.

Department	Telephone number
Self Assessment	0300 200 3310
Income Tax and PAYE	0300 200 3300
VAT enquiries	0300 200 3700
Self Assessment online technical support	0300 200 3600
VAT online technical support	0300 200 3701
Self Assessment payment problems	0300 200 3820
VAT payment problems	0300 200 3831

These numbers are for different types of enquiries, so choosing the right department is important.

For example, if you need help understanding your Self Assessment tax bill, you should normally contact the Self Assessment team rather than the general Income Tax helpline.

You can find the complete list of HMRC contact details using the official GOV.UK Contact HMRC service.

hmrc help number

If you are looking for the main HMRC help number, there is not one telephone number that deals with every type of tax enquiry.

HMRC operates separate telephone services for different areas of taxation, including Income Tax, Self Assessment, VAT, employer PAYE and National Insurance.

However, if you are an individual looking for general help with your tax affairs, the following numbers are particularly useful.

1. Self Assessment enquiries – 0300 200 3310

This is the main telephone number for individuals who have questions about their Self Assessment tax returns.

You can contact this department if you need help with:

• Your Self Assessment tax return.
• Registering for Self Assessment.
• Changing your personal details.
• Understanding Self Assessment notices.
• Questions about tax payments and returns.
• Making changes relating to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

For example, imagine you are a landlord who has recently started receiving rental income and you are unsure whether you need to register for Self Assessment.

You can contact the Self Assessment helpline to discuss your registration and tax return requirements.

Similarly, if you have submitted your tax return but received a notice or calculation that you do not understand, this is generally the correct department to contact.

2. Income Tax and PAYE – 0300 200 3300

This number is mainly for employees, pensioners and other individuals with questions about Income Tax.

You can contact HMRC about:

• Incorrect tax codes.
• PAYE tax deductions from your salary.
• Tax overpayments and underpayments.
• Marriage Allowance.
• Tax on savings interest.
• Questions about PAYE tax calculations.

For example, if you notice that your employer has deducted more Income Tax than expected from your monthly salary, you can contact this department to investigate your tax code.

3. VAT enquiries – 0300 200 3700

If you operate a VAT-registered business, this is the main telephone number for general VAT enquiries.

You can contact HMRC about:

• VAT registration.
• VAT returns.
• VAT payments and liabilities.
• VAT registration details.
• Making Tax Digital for VAT.
• General VAT compliance questions.

For example, if you are a sole trader who has registered for VAT and you are unsure how to report VAT on your sales, the VAT helpline is the appropriate place to start.

Bear in mind that this number is not intended for agreeing payment arrangements or dealing with VAT online service technical problems. HMRC has separate services for those enquiries.

4. Self Assessment technical support – 0300 200 3600

This is a separate helpline for problems using HMRC’s online Self Assessment services.

You should use it if you experience problems such as:

• Being unable to log into your HMRC account.
• Receiving error messages when submitting a tax return.
• Problems registering for an online service.
• Losing your online service username or password.
• Technical difficulties with HMRC’s online filing tools.

If you are using commercial accounting software to submit your tax return, you may need to contact your software provider instead.

For example, if you use Xero Tax and receive an error within the software, the software provider may need to investigate the problem rather than HMRC’s general Self Assessment team.

5. VAT online technical support – 0300 200 3701

If you are having technical problems with HMRC’s VAT online services, you can contact this department.

It can help with issues relating to:

• Registering for VAT online services.
• Accessing your VAT online account.
• Submitting VAT returns through HMRC’s online system.
• Technical error messages.

It is important to distinguish between a VAT question and a technical problem. If you need advice about VAT rules, contact the general VAT enquiries team instead.

Hmrc help number opening times

Knowing the correct telephone number is only part of the problem. You also need to know when HMRC’s telephone lines are open.

Most of HMRC’s main telephone helplines operate from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm. They are generally closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Here are the opening times for the most commonly used services.

HMRC department	Monday to Friday	Saturday and Sunday
Self Assessment	8am–6pm	Closed
Income Tax and PAYE	8am–6pm	Closed
VAT enquiries	8am–6pm	Closed
Self Assessment technical support	8am–6pm	Closed
VAT technical support	8am–6pm	Closed

Opening times checked against HMRC’s published contact guidance in November 2026. Bank holidays are excluded.

When is the best time to call HMRC?

If you have ever tried contacting HMRC, you will probably know that waiting times can be frustrating.

Although there is no guaranteed time when you will get through immediately, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.

• Call early in the morning: Try calling shortly after 8am rather than waiting until lunchtime.
• Avoid busy periods: The days immediately before important tax deadlines can be particularly busy.
• Have your information ready: This can prevent you from having to search for documents while speaking to an adviser.
• Use online services: Some enquiries can be resolved without speaking to anyone.

For VAT enquiries, HMRC specifically advises that its telephone lines are generally less busy between 8:30am and 11am.

For self-employed individuals, landlords and company directors, it is worth remembering that HMRC receives a particularly high volume of enquiries around the January Self Assessment deadline.

Are HMRC telephone lines open on Saturdays?

Most main HMRC telephone helplines are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

However, some online services have different opening times.

For example, HMRC’s digital assistant and its general social media enquiry service have published opening times of:

• Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm.
• Saturday: 8am to 4pm.

These online services can help with general questions, although they cannot necessarily deal with every individual tax problem.

Are HMRC telephone lines open on bank holidays?

No. The main telephone helplines are generally closed on bank holidays.

If you need to contact HMRC during a bank holiday, you may still be able to access your Personal Tax Account, Business Tax Account or HMRC app.

You can also use HMRC’s online guidance to find answers to common tax questions.

Which HMRC Department Should You Contact?

One of the most common reasons people struggle to contact HMRC is choosing the wrong department.

HMRC is responsible for several different taxes, and each area has its own contact arrangements.

Here are some examples to help you identify the correct service.

If you are self-employed

If you work for yourself as a sole trader, you will usually deal with HMRC through Self Assessment.

The Self Assessment helpline is 0300 200 3310.

You can contact HMRC about registering for Self Assessment, submitting tax returns, understanding your tax calculations and dealing with notices.

If you are unsure whether you need to register, you may also find our guide helpful: Why did HMRC ask me for a Self Assessment?.

If you are a landlord

Landlords who receive rental income may need to declare that income through Self Assessment.

If you have questions about registering, submitting a tax return or understanding your tax liability, the Self Assessment helpline is generally the appropriate department.

However, if your question relates to a specific property tax relief or allowable expense, it may be quicker to consult HMRC’s published property income guidance before calling.

If you are a limited company director

Limited companies have different tax responsibilities from sole traders.

For example, a limited company normally needs to deal with Corporation Tax, VAT (if registered) and employer PAYE (if it employs staff).

You should use the relevant HMRC service for the particular tax you are dealing with rather than assuming that the Self Assessment helpline can answer company tax questions.

You should also remember that a company’s Corporation Tax return (CT600) is different from a director’s personal Self Assessment tax return.

If you are having problems paying your tax bill

If you cannot pay your tax bill by the deadline, you should not simply ignore the payment request.

HMRC has separate payment enquiry services for people who are struggling to pay.

For example, the Self Assessment payment problems helpline is:

0300 200 3820

The VAT payment problems helpline is:

0300 200 3831

You may also be able to arrange a Time to Pay agreement, which allows you to pay an outstanding tax liability in instalments if HMRC agrees.

You can read more about the available options through HMRC’s payment problems guidance.

Can You Contact HMRC Online Instead of Calling?

Yes. In many situations, you do not need to telephone HMRC to get help.

HMRC has developed several online services that allow individuals and businesses to manage their tax affairs without waiting for an adviser.

1. HMRC Personal Tax Account

A Personal Tax Account allows individuals to access and manage their personal tax information online.

You can use it to:

• Check your Income Tax estimate.
• View your tax code.
• Check your National Insurance record.
• Manage Self Assessment.
• View certain tax payments.
• Update personal information.
• Access other HMRC services.

You can access the service here:

HMRC Personal Tax Account – GOV.UK

2. HMRC Business Tax Account

If you are self-employed, a company director or an employer, you may also need an HMRC Business Tax Account.

Depending on your registrations and the services available to you, it can help you manage:

• Corporation Tax.
• VAT.
• PAYE for employers.
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
• Other business tax services.

You can access it through the official HMRC Business Tax Account.

3. HMRC Digital Assistant

HMRC also provides a digital assistant that can answer many common tax questions.

You can use it to find information about:

• Self Assessment registration.
• Tax returns and payments.
• Tax codes.
• VAT.
• Online account problems.
• Tax refunds.

If the digital assistant cannot resolve your question, you may be offered the option to transfer to an adviser through webchat, depending on availability.

This can be a useful alternative if you do not want to spend time waiting on the telephone.

4. Contact HMRC Through X

HMRC also operates an official customer support account on X (formerly Twitter).

You can start a general enquiry by mentioning:

@HMRCcustomers

Its published opening times are Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 8am to 4pm.

However, this service cannot discuss your individual tax affairs or confidential information. Never post your National Insurance number, UTR or other personal details publicly.

What Information Should You Have Ready Before Calling HMRC?

Before contacting HMRC, it is worth spending a few minutes gathering the information you may need.

This can make the conversation easier and reduce the possibility of having to call again.

Depending on your enquiry, you may need:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
• Your full name and date of birth.
• Your current address and postcode.
• Your VAT registration number, if applicable.
• Your employer’s PAYE reference, if relevant.
• Your company details, if you are calling about a limited company.
• Any letters, notices or reference numbers received from HMRC.

Example: Calling about a Self Assessment tax return

Imagine you have received a letter from HMRC saying that you need to submit a tax return for the previous tax year.

Before calling, make sure you have your UTR and the letter available.

You should also be prepared to explain:

1. Which tax year the letter relates to.
2. Whether you have already submitted a tax return.
3. Whether you are registered for Self Assessment.
4. What exactly you need HMRC to clarify.

Providing clear information will help the adviser understand your situation.

Be careful with personal information

HMRC will carry out security checks before discussing confidential tax information.

Make sure your personal details and address are up to date in your online account.

You should also be cautious if somebody contacts you claiming to be from HMRC and asks for sensitive information or payment.

If you are unsure whether a message or telephone call is genuine, use the contact details published on GOV.UK rather than relying on the number provided by the person contacting you.

Why Can It Be Difficult to Get Through to HMRC?

Many people find contacting HMRC frustrating, particularly during busy periods.

There are several reasons why you may experience long waiting times.

High volumes of telephone enquiries

HMRC deals with millions of taxpayers, employers and businesses across the UK.

During particularly busy periods, such as January when Self Assessment tax returns are due, the number of people contacting HMRC can increase significantly.

Your enquiry may need to be transferred

If you contact the wrong department, you may be asked to call another number or transferred to a different team.

This is another reason why checking the correct HMRC help number before calling can save time.

Some enquiries cannot be resolved immediately

Certain tax problems require an investigation or additional checks.

For example, if you are querying a tax calculation, HMRC may need to review your records before providing a definite answer.

Similarly, if your UTR has been suspended or your Self Assessment registration has encountered a problem, the matter may require additional investigation.

HMRC may not be able to provide immediate answers

If your question involves complicated tax legislation, penalties or previous tax years, the adviser may need to refer your enquiry to another department.

It is worth keeping a record of the date you called, the department you spoke to and any reference numbers provided.

What Should You Do If HMRC Does Not Resolve Your Problem?

If you have contacted HMRC but your problem remains unresolved, there are several steps you can take.

1. Contact HMRC again

If you believe your original enquiry was not handled correctly, you can contact the relevant department again.

Explain what happened during your previous conversation and provide any reference numbers you were given.

2. Make a formal complaint

If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can make a formal complaint to HMRC.

You can complain about matters such as:

• Unreasonable delays.
• Incorrect information provided by HMRC.
• Poor customer service.
• Failure to respond to correspondence.
• Errors in handling your tax affairs.

You can find out how to complain through the official HMRC complaints procedure.

3. Check whether you have received a penalty

If your problem relates to a late tax return or unpaid tax, make sure you understand whether HMRC has issued a penalty.

For example, missing the Self Assessment filing deadline can result in an initial £100 late filing penalty, even if you have no tax to pay.

You may be able to appeal if you have a reasonable excuse.

Our guide explains how much the HMRC late filing penalty can cost, including how the penalties increase when a return remains outstanding.

4. Consider professional help

Some tax problems are more complicated than a straightforward telephone enquiry.

If you are dealing with several outstanding tax years, rental income, undeclared income or an HMRC investigation, an accountant may be able to help you understand your obligations and communicate with HMRC as your authorised agent.

This can be particularly useful if you are unsure how to correct an earlier tax return or deal with a complicated tax position.

Conclusion: Finding the Right HMRC Help Number

Finding the correct HMRC help number can save you time and make dealing with your tax affairs considerably easier.

For most individuals, the Self Assessment helpline (0300 200 3310) and Income Tax helpline (0300 200 3300) are two of the most commonly used numbers.

If you run a business, you may need to contact a specialist department for VAT, Corporation Tax or employer PAYE enquiries.

Remember that most main HMRC telephone helplines are open Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, and are closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Before calling, make sure you have your National Insurance number, UTR or other relevant tax details available.

Finally, remember that you do not always need to telephone HMRC. Its online services, digital assistant and webchat can often help you find answers without waiting in a telephone queue.

If you are struggling with your tax returns, business accounts or HMRC correspondence, Better Account can help you understand your accounting and tax responsibilities.

Visit Better Account to find out more about our accounting and bookkeeping services for individuals and small businesses.

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