Key takeaways
- The HMRC Agent Dedicated Line for Self Assessment and PAYE for individuals is 0300 200 3311, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
- Only agents whose client has formally authorised them to act can use the Agent Dedicated Line.
- The Debt Management Agent Dedicated Line for clients' tax debts is 0300 200 3887, also open 8am to 6pm on weekdays.
- HMRC's ARN checks on agent calls and webchats are paused until 17 November 2026 and resume from 18 November 2026.
- An agent-only webchat runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and HMRC says it is faster than phone for many Self Assessment and PAYE queries.
- There is no agent dedicated phone line for VAT, Corporation Tax or employer PAYE; agents use the public HMRC contact numbers.
The HMRC Agent Dedicated Line for Self Assessment and PAYE for individuals is 0300 200 3311, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed on bank holidays. You can only use it if your client has formally authorised you to act for them. Client debts go to a separate agent line, 0300 200 3887, and many routine queries are quicker through the agent-only webchat.
What are the HMRC agent dedicated numbers?
HMRC runs three agent dedicated phone lines, each for a different area. The details below come from HMRC’s contact pages, checked on 6 November 2026.
| Line | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Self Assessment or PAYE for individuals | 0300 200 3311 | Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm |
| Debt Management (client debts) | 0300 200 3887 | Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm |
| Tax credits Agent Priority Line | 0345 300 3943 | Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm |
All three are closed on bank holidays. HMRC cut the tax credits line to 8am to 5pm on 30 June 2025. The Agent Dedicated Line page was last updated on 26 May 2026.
Who can use the Agent Dedicated Line?
The line is only for tax agents and advisers whose client has formally authorised them to act. In practice, that means the authorisation is in place through your agent services account or the relevant online service before you call.
If you are not yet authorised, HMRC will not discuss the client’s affairs. See our guide to the HMRC agent services account for how authorisation works, and HMRC’s standard for agents for the conduct HMRC expects.
What can you call the Self Assessment and PAYE line about?
HMRC lists these uses for the phone line and the agent webchat:
- PAYE queries for individual clients
- registering or reactivating a client for Self Assessment
- cancelling a Self Assessment record
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
HMRC asks agents not to call to chase progress before the reply-by date has passed. It also asks you not to call about tax or employment history you can already see online, for example through Self Assessment for Agents, PAYE for Agents or the Income Record Viewer.
When should you use webchat instead of the phone?
Use the agent webchat for simple Self Assessment and PAYE queries; use the phone for anything that needs an adviser to dig into the record. HMRC’s tax agents handbook, updated 28 October 2026, says the webchat runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and is a faster alternative for many queries.
| Better by webchat | Better by phone |
|---|---|
| PAYE queries | Payment allocations |
| Registrations and deregistrations | Overdue return or repayment chasing |
| Reactivations, MTD for Income Tax | Online return amendments, Class 4 errors, CGT |
If the webchat cannot resolve a query, an HMRC adviser calls you back.
What are the ARN checks on agent calls?
HMRC has been asking some agents for their Agent Reference Number (ARN) when they call or use webchat. The check confirms you have registered for an agent services account.
The checks are paused until 17 November 2026 and resume from 18 November 2026. An ARN is 11 characters: the letters “ARN” plus one more letter, followed by seven digits. HMRC says its normal security, identity and client authorisation checks continue during the pause.
Which line applies to you?
- If the query is about a client’s Self Assessment or PAYE as an individual, call 0300 200 3311 or use the agent webchat.
- If the client owes HMRC money and you need a payment plan, call the Debt Management line on 0300 200 3887. See HMRC Time to Pay.
- If the query is about VAT, Corporation Tax or employer PAYE, there is no agent line. Use the public numbers on our HMRC telephone numbers page.
- If you have a login or technical problem, contact the HMRC online services helpdesk.
How to make the call go well
- Confirm the client authorisation is live before you dial.
- Have your ARN ready, especially from 18 November 2026.
- Have the client’s UTR or National Insurance number and the tax year to hand.
- Check HMRC’s reply timescale tool first, so you are not chasing early.
- Note the adviser’s name, the date and any reference for your file.
What advisers should do now
Update your firm’s contact sheet with the three numbers above. Make sure every fee earner knows the firm’s ARN before 18 November 2026. Route simple PAYE and registration queries to webchat ahead of the January rush; our guide to the best time to call HMRC shows when queues are longest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HMRC agent dedicated line number?
For Self Assessment and PAYE for individuals it is 0300 200 3311, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. The Debt Management agent line is 0300 200 3887.
Can an unauthorised agent use the Agent Dedicated Line?
No. HMRC says the line is for agents whose client has formally authorised them to act on their behalf.
Is there an HMRC agent line for VAT or Corporation Tax?
No. HMRC’s guidance says that where a tax has no agent dedicated number, agents should use HMRC’s general list of contacts.
Do I need my ARN to call HMRC as an agent?
HMRC has paused ARN checks until 17 November 2026. They resume from 18 November 2026, so have your ARN ready when you call or use webchat.
Is there an agent webchat?
Yes. HMRC runs an agent-only webchat, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, for Self Assessment and PAYE queries such as registrations and reactivations.
Sources
Rates, thresholds and rules in this guide were checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 6 November 2026. Tax rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting. This guide is general information, not personal advice.