Key takeaways
- HMRC does not have a free 0800 number for tax queries; its helplines use 0300 numbers, such as 0300 200 3300 for Income Tax.
- Ofcom rules say calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards inclusive minutes.
- Without inclusive minutes, GOV.UK says 03 calls cost up to 16p a minute from a landline and 3p to 65p a minute from a mobile.
- HMRC's only 0800 number is the fraud hotline, 0800 788 887, for reporting tax fraud, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- Numbers starting 084 or 087 that claim to connect you to HMRC are not HMRC numbers and add an access charge.
- Free ways to contact HMRC include the digital assistant, webchat, the HMRC app and your personal tax account.
No, HMRC does not have a free 0800 number for tax queries. Its helplines use 0300 numbers, which under Ofcom rules cost no more than a call to an ordinary 01 or 02 number and usually come out of your inclusive minutes, so for most people they are free in practice. The only HMRC 0800 number is the fraud hotline, 0800 788 887.
Does HMRC have an 0800 number?
HMRC’s only 0800 number is its fraud hotline, 0800 788 887, and it is for reporting tax fraud, not for tax questions. GOV.UK says it is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for people who cannot use the online reporting form. From outside the UK the number is +44 203 080 0871.
HMRC also ran a free coronavirus business helpline on 0800 024 1222. It closed on 18 September 2023. If a website still lists it, the page is out of date.
How much does it cost to call an HMRC 0300 number?
A call to an HMRC 0300 number costs the same as a national call to an 01 or 02 number. Ofcom says 03 calls “must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls”. The rule applies to mobiles and landlines.
If you have no inclusive minutes left, the GOV.UK call charges page gives these ranges.
| Number type | From a landline | From a mobile |
|---|---|---|
| 03 (HMRC helplines) | Up to 16p a minute | 3p to 65p a minute |
| 0800 and 0808 | Free | Free |
| 084 | Up to 7p a minute plus access charge | Up to 7p a minute plus access charge |
| 087 | Up to 13p a minute plus access charge | Up to 13p a minute plus access charge |
Long waits matter. HMRC’s average wait for an adviser was 8 minutes 20 seconds in August 2026, and a long call on a pay-as-you-go mobile can add up.
The main HMRC 0300 numbers
These are the most used HMRC helplines, checked on GOV.UK on 6 November 2026. All are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed on bank holidays.
| Helpline | Number |
|---|---|
| Income Tax, PAYE and tax codes | 0300 200 3300 |
| Self Assessment | 0300 200 3310 |
| Self Assessment payment plans | 0300 123 1813 |
For the full list, including VAT, employers and Corporation Tax, see our HMRC telephone numbers page.
Are 084 and 087 HMRC numbers genuine?
No. HMRC does not use 084 or 087 numbers. Some websites list these “connection” numbers, which put you through to the normal 0300 line but charge you more, including your phone company’s access charge.
Always take the number from GOV.UK or an HMRC letter. Be wary of anyone who calls you claiming to be HMRC; our guide to HMRC scam calls and texts explains the warning signs.
Free ways to contact HMRC without calling
You can sort many queries without a phone call at all.
- HMRC digital assistant. Available on the HMRC contact pages. It can pass you to a webchat adviser if one is free.
- Webchat. HMRC’s webchats were answered in about 2 minutes on average between April and August 2026.
- Personal tax account. Check your tax code, claim a refund and see your Income Tax estimate.
- HMRC app. Covers many of the same tasks as the personal tax account.
- X (formerly Twitter). Post to @HMRCcustomers, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Never share personal details.
Which option suits you?
- If you have inclusive minutes, call the 0300 number; it costs nothing extra.
- If you are on pay-as-you-go, try the digital assistant or webchat first, or call from a landline.
- If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, dial 18001 then the 0300 number to use Relay UK.
- If you are abroad, use the +44 number on the GOV.UK contact page; international rates apply.
- If you want to report fraud, use the online form, or 0800 788 887 if you cannot.
Before you call, read our best time to call HMRC guide to keep the call short.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a freephone number for HMRC?
Not for tax queries. HMRC’s only 0800 number is the fraud hotline, 0800 788 887, for reporting tax fraud.
Are HMRC 0300 numbers free from a mobile?
They are free if you have inclusive minutes, because Ofcom requires 03 calls to count towards them like 01 and 02 calls. Otherwise they cost 3p to 65p a minute.
How much is a call to HMRC without inclusive minutes?
GOV.UK says 03 numbers cost up to 16p a minute from a landline and 3p to 65p a minute from a mobile. Check your provider’s tariff for the exact rate.
Is 0800 024 1222 still an HMRC number?
No. It was the coronavirus business helpline and closed on 18 September 2023.
What is the cheapest way to contact HMRC?
Use the HMRC digital assistant, webchat, the HMRC app or your personal tax account. All are free and avoid queue time on the phone.
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.