HMRC phone numbers are split across dedicated telephone helplines for different tax types and queries, and this guide brings together the current numbers you’re most likely to need. If you’re a UK small business owner, limited company director, accountant, bookkeeper, freelancer or sole trader, it will help you find the right HMRC contact route for Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, CIS, payment problems and bereavement support.

Quick answers

  • Payment problems: If you are struggling with paying, contact HMRC as early as possible to discuss your options.
  • General and other ways to contact HMRC helplines: Note on waiting times: HMRC helplines are busiest in January and February and during the weeks following a Budget announcement.
  • Tips for calling HMRC: Most HMRC helplines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and are closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Waiting times vary significantly by time of day and by season, with January and February typically the busiest months, so using the correct HMRC number and preparing properly can save time when a deadline or tax issue needs sorting quickly. Before you contact HMRC by telephone, check whether your query can be resolved through your Personal Tax Account, the HMRC digital assistant or webchat, as this is often faster; the digital assistant can point you to relevant guidance or transfer you to HMRC staff in webchat when available. If you are calling to chase a submitted return or repayment, it is worth checking how long HM Revenue and Customs takes to process a return before phoning.

Self Assessment helpline and tax return helpline

HelplineNumberHours
Self Assessment general0300 200 3310Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Self Assessment payment problems0300 200 3822Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Textphone (deaf or hard of hearing)0300 200 3319Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

VAT helpline

HelplineNumberHours
VAT general enquiries0300 200 3700Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
VAT registration0300 200 3700Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
VAT import and export0300 200 3700Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Employer and PAYE helpline

HelplineNumberHours
Employer general enquiries0300 200 3200Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Employer payment problems0300 200 3200Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP)0300 200 3200Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Corporation Tax

HelplineNumber
Corporation Tax general0300 200 3410
Corporation Tax payment queries0300 200 3410

Payment problems

Query typeNumber
Business Payment Support Service (general)0800 0159 559
HMRC debt management (Self Assessment)0300 200 3835
HMRC debt management (PAYE and NIC)0300 200 3835

If you are struggling with paying, contact HMRC as early as possible to discuss your options.

In some cases, taxpayers may be able to reduce a payment on account if they expect a lower bill.

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)

HelplineNumber
CIS general enquiries0300 200 3210
CIS payments and deductions0300 200 3210

Bereavement and deceased estates

Query typeNumber
Bereavement and deceased estates0300 200 3300
Inheritance Tax0300 123 1072

General and other ways to contact HMRC helplines

ServiceNumber
Income Tax general0300 200 3300
National Insurance general0300 200 3500
Tax credits0345 300 3900
Child Benefit0300 200 3100
Capital Gains Tax0300 200 3300

Note on waiting times: HMRC helplines are busiest in January and February and during the weeks following a Budget announcement. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically results in shorter waiting times. Many queries can be resolved online, by webchat, or by post if a phone call is not necessary. HMRC may also contact you by letter at the address it holds on record, so keep your details up to date. If you write by mail, include your identifying references so HMRC can respond more easily.

Tips for calling HMRC

Most HMRC helplines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and are closed on weekends and bank holidays. Call volumes are heaviest between 11am and 3pm, on Mondays, and in the weeks before the 31 January Self Assessment and 31 July payment-on-account deadlines, calling at 8am sharp, or after 4pm midweek, usually means the shortest wait, though calls can still be busy and some people may prefer to contact HMRC online instead. HMRC often recommends online services before calling by telephone, especially when lines are busy.

  • Have your National Insurance number, UTR, or VAT registration number ready before calling.

  • If you do not want to wait on the Self Assessment helpline, try webchat or the digital assistant first, as they can direct you to the right page; if you need extra help through webchat, HMRC may ask you to confirm some information before access is provided.

  • Have any relevant correspondence from HMRC to hand, including formal notices, a recent letter, and any relevant personal details or reference numbers.

  • Make a note of the date, time, and name of the adviser you speak to, along with any reference number given. HMRC keeps call records, which you can obtain later through a subject access request if needed.

  • If HMRC makes a verbal commitment during the call, follow up in writing to create a record; you can write by post to Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, especially if you need to explain or answer a penalty issue.

  • Do not share personal details on public social channels if you try to contact HMRC there.

  • If you use tax agents, they may have separate HMRC routes, and serious notices may call for professional advice.

  • If you need extra help, ask whether HMRC can refer you to the extra support team, which may offer phone or video help and, in exceptional cases, a face to face appointment.

  • For Self Assessment, you can register through your Personal Tax Account by first using Government Gateway to create sign-in details.

  • Online-services queries may need technical support, and HMRC cannot answer software-provider issues directly.