Key takeaways

  • The HMRC online services helpdesk number is 0300 200 3600, or +44 161 930 8445 from outside the UK.
  • The helpdesk is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed on bank holidays.
  • If you enter the wrong sign-in details too many times, the lock on your account lifts after 2 hours, and helpdesk advisers cannot lift it sooner.
  • You recover a lost Government Gateway user ID or password through the sign-in page itself, which tells you how when you try to sign in.
  • The helpdesk handles technical problems only; tax questions go to the tax helplines and VAT online services problems go to 0300 200 3701.
  • Since 9 February 2026, some new HMRC customers sign in with GOV.UK One Login instead of Government Gateway; existing users keep their Government Gateway details until HMRC asks them to switch.
  • If someone has got into your HMRC account, report it through the security console or HMRC's online form; HMRC aims to respond within 10 working days.

The HMRC online services helpdesk is on 0300 200 3600 and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. It deals with technical problems such as signing in, registering for a service, error messages and access codes. It cannot answer tax questions, and it cannot lift the lock on an account after too many wrong attempts.

What is the HMRC online services helpdesk number?

The helpdesk number is 0300 200 3600 from the UK and +44 161 930 8445 from abroad. These details come from HMRC’s technical support contact page, last updated 28 January 2026.

LineNumberHours
Online services helpdesk0300 200 3600Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm
From outside the UK+44 161 930 8445Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm
Relay UK18001 then 0300 200 3600Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm
VAT online services0300 200 3701Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm

The lines are closed on bank holidays. For every other HMRC number, see our HMRC telephone numbers list.

What can the helpdesk help with?

The helpdesk fixes technical problems with HMRC online services, not tax queries. HMRC lists these as its areas:

  • signing in to, or registering for, an online service
  • submitting online forms
  • error messages in your account or on HMRC forms
  • downloading and using HMRC’s free software and tools
  • extra support if a health condition, disability or your circumstances make online services hard to use

For your tax, Child Benefit or tax credits, use the right tax helpline, such as the Self Assessment helpline. VAT online services problems go to 0300 200 3701; have your postcode and VAT number ready.

How do I recover a lost Government Gateway user ID or password?

You recover a lost user ID or password yourself, through the sign-in page. HMRC’s sign-in help page says the sign-in process tells you how to recover or reset your details when you try to sign in.

  1. Go to the HMRC sign-in page and choose Government Gateway.
  2. Select the link for a forgotten user ID or password.
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to recover the user ID or reset the password.
  4. If you are asked to confirm your identity, answer the questions on screen.
  5. If the steps fail, call the helpdesk on 0300 200 3600.

A Government Gateway user ID is up to 12 characters long. Before you call, check that your address and personal details are current in your HMRC online account, or you may fail telephone security.

What if my account is locked or my access code does not arrive?

The lock on your account lifts by itself after 2 hours. HMRC says helpdesk advisers cannot lift it, so calling will not speed things up.

Access codes can arrive by text, voice call or an authenticator app. If you have changed your phone number, sign in with your user ID and password, select “You can get help” when asked for the code, and follow the steps. You may need to confirm your identity.

Which applies to you?

Use this list to pick the right route.

  • Forgotten user ID or password: use the recovery links on the sign-in page.
  • Locked out after wrong attempts: wait 2 hours and try again.
  • Access code problem: select “You can get help” at the code screen.
  • Service slow or down: check HMRC service availability and issues.
  • Signing in with GOV.UK One Login: contact GOV.UK One Login, not HMRC.
  • Error you cannot clear: ask HMRC’s digital assistant, then webchat, then call 0300 200 3600.
  • Agent account problem: see our guide to the HMRC agent services account.

Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login?

There are now two ways to sign in to HMRC. Government Gateway uses a user ID and password. GOV.UK One Login uses an email address and password.

From 9 February 2026, HMRC began directing some new customers to GOV.UK One Login. If you already use Government Gateway, keep using it until HMRC prompts you to switch. That applies even if you have a One Login for another service, such as Companies House. HMRC has not published a date for moving existing users. Our guide to GOV.UK One Login for HMRC has the detail.

What if someone else has got into my account?

Report it to HMRC straight away. HMRC’s suspicious activity guidance, updated 16 July 2026, lists the warning signs:

  • access codes you did not ask for
  • a password that has been changed without you
  • changes to your tax record you did not make
  • letters or payments from HMRC you were not expecting

If you can still sign in, change your password and report it through the security console. If not, use HMRC’s online form. HMRC aims to reply within 10 working days. See also HMRC scam calls and texts.

What to do now

  1. Save 0300 200 3600 in your phone before Self Assessment season.
  2. Check you can sign in now, not on 31 January.
  3. Make sure your phone number and email are current in your account.
  4. Set up a backup way of getting access codes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the HMRC online services helpdesk phone number?

It is 0300 200 3600 from the UK and +44 161 930 8445 from outside the UK. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Can the HMRC helpdesk lift a lock on my Government Gateway account?

No. HMRC says helpdesk advisers cannot do this. The lock lifts automatically after 2 hours.

How do I find my Government Gateway user ID?

Use the forgotten user ID link on the HMRC sign-in page and follow the steps. If they fail, call the helpdesk on 0300 200 3600.

Can the online services helpdesk answer tax questions?

No. It handles technical problems only. Call the helpline for the tax concerned, such as Self Assessment or PAYE.

Do I need to move from Government Gateway to GOV.UK One Login now?

No. Existing Government Gateway users should keep using their current details until HMRC asks them to switch. HMRC has not set a date.

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.