HMRC Contact Number - How to Contact HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the backbone of the UK’s tax system, and whether you’re employed, self-employed, or running a business, at some stage, you need to get in touch with them. Whether it’s about filing a Self Assessment tax return, checking PAYE details, asking about VAT, or chasing a tax refund, having the right HMRC contact information makes all the difference.

You can contact HMRC for various queries about:

• Self Assessment
• Tax Credits
• Child Benefit
• Income Tax
• National Insurance
• Tax for Employers
• VAT
• Construction Industry Scheme
• any other taxes or HMRC services

Here’s the reality: HMRC manages millions of queries every year. That means long phone queues and, sometimes, confusion about which department to contact. Reaching out to the wrong team or at an inconvenient time can result in wasted hours.

That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide highlighting the quickest and most reliable ways to contact HMRC - by phone, online, email, or by post. With the right details at hand, you can minimise delays, reduce stress, and get your tax questions answered promptly and effectively.

There are several convenient ways to get in touch with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs services, including:

HMRC Online Services

You can use HMRC's online service to check your tax code and verify information HMRC holds about your employment and an estimate of the income tax you need to pay. You can sign in to the government gateway to change your tax details, or your accountant or tax professional can make changes on your behalf.

If you have lost your government gateway user ID, password or authentication code, use HMRC online service to get help with sign in.

If you have already contact HMRC before, you can check exactly when you can receive a reply to a query that you have submitted online. Confidential information will be shared via phone or post.

Twitter

You can receive general help from an HMRC on Twitter, although they cannot use Twitter to discuss specific cases or individual tax issues. Make sure not to share personal information on Twitter. You can tweet @HMRCcustomers.

Twitter opening times:

Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 8am to 4pm

Closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

HMRC Contact Numbers

Each tax service operates its own dedicated helpline, streamlining your ability to connect with the appropriate department. Here’s a summary of essential HMRC contact numbers, guidance on when to use them, and a few useful tips.

Self Assessment

If you’re looking for a quick response, chat with HMRC online. Their digital assistant is available to assist you with:

• registering for Self Assessment
• ending Self Assessment
• filing your tax return and paying your bill
• appealing a penalty
• requesting a refund
• activation codes

Contact HMRC’s online services helpdesk if you:

• are having problems submitting your return online
• have lost your online service username or password
• get any error messages in your online account or on a form

Self Assessment Helpline: 0300 200 3310

Outside UK: +44 161 931 9070

Postal Address:

Self Assessment
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed weekends and bank holidays)

Tip: Lines are usually quieter early in the morning or mid-week, so calling at these times can reduce waiting. Have your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) ready when calling.

PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and Income Tax

Employees often need help with:

• Tax code queries
• Checking if they’ve paid too much or too little tax
• Refunds or underpayment letters
• Queries about payslips or P60s

Use HMRC’s digital assistant to ask questions on:

• PAYE
• tax codes
• claiming a tax refund
• proof of employment history

If the digital assistant is unable to assist, you have the option to request a transfer to an HMRC adviser, provided one is available.

If there are any changes in your circumstances that could impact your tax code, please inform HMRC. You can manage this through your personal tax account, which also allows you to check:

• your tax code
• the information HMRC holds about your employment
• an estimate of how much tax you’ll pay

For matters involving confidential information, HMRC will contact you directly by phone or post.

Additionally, relevant information is available via:

• official HMRC app
• your personal tax account, or your business tax account

Income Tax Helpline: 0300 200 3300

Outside UK: +44 135 535 9022

Postal Address:

Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on bank holidays

Tip: Keep your National Insurance number and recent payslips handy before calling.

VAT Enquiries

Businesses contact HMRC for:

• VAT registration questions
• Filing VAT returns
• Making VAT payments
• Deregistration or general VAT rules

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant to get information about VAT.

You can sign-in to VAT online account to:

• view your payments and outstanding liabilities
• submit your VAT return and view previous returns
• change your registration details

VAT Helpline: 0300 200 3700

Outside UK: +44 2920 501 261

Postal Address:

BT VAT
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1WR
United Kingdom

Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, closed on bank holidays.

Tip: Many VAT queries can be solved faster through HMRC’s online VAT services. Check the VAT portal before phoning.

National Insurance

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant for queries such as:

• Checking your National Insurance contributions
• Getting your employment history

Use below links to:

• Find your lost National Insurance number
• Apply for a National Insurance number
• Check your National Insurance record
• Check your State Pension forecast
• Tell HMRC if you’ve changed name or address
• Tell HMRC if you’ve stopped being self-employed

National Insurance Helpline Number: 0300 200 3500

Textphone: 0300 200 3519

Outside UK: + 44 191 203 7010

Postal address:

PT Operations North East England
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AN
United Kingdom

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on bank holidays

Tip: Have your NI number available before calling to save time.

Child Benefit

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant to get information about:

• claiming Child Benefit
• the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge
• any change of circumstances for you or your child which may affect your claim

Use the official HMRC app to manage your Child Benefit claim, including:

• making a new claim
• viewing payment information
• amending your claim
• updating your details

Use below links to:

• Report a fraudulent claim for Child Benefit
• Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC

Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100

Outside UK: +44 161 210 3086

If a child or parent has died:

Call to tell HMRC about the death of a child or parent.

Telephone: 0300 322 9620

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed bank holidays.

Postal Address:

HM Revenue and Customs — Child Benefit Office
PO Box 1
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE88 1AA
United Kingdom

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Closed on bank holidays.

Tip: These lines can be very busy around renewal deadlines. Calling earlier in the month often means shorter wait

Tax Credits

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant to find information on:

• tax credits
• Universal Credit

You can also get information from:

• the official HMRC app
• your personal tax account

Tax credit helpline number: 0345 300 3900

Outside UK: +44 2890 538 192

Postal Address:

HM Revenue and Customs
Tax Credit Office
BX9 1ER
United Kingdom

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays.

Employers

For employer enquiries on:

• PAYE
• National Insurance contributions
• Statutory Payments
• stakeholder pensions
• student loan repayments

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant to get a quick answer.

Use below links to:

• Tell HMRC if you have been payrolling benefits
• Tell HMRC you do not owe Class 1A National Insurance contributions
• Check if you can fix your problems with running payroll

Employer helpline number: 0300 200 3200

Outside UK: +44 151 268 0558

Fax: 03000 523 030

Postal address:

PT Operations North East England
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1BX
United Kingdom

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on bank holidays.

Technical Support

If you are facing technical problems:

• when using HMRC systems
• sending forms online
• error messages
• using HMRC free software and tools

If you need help with sign-in problems or you've lost your:

• user ID
• password
• activation code

You can check service availability and check for any disruptions with our online services, including any error notifications that might appear.

You can also ask HMRC’s digital assistant to find information about technical support with HMRC online services.

Telephone: 0300 200 3600

Outside UK: +44 161 930 8445

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on bank holidays.

If you have any health conditions like dyslexia, autism, disabilities, financial hardships or personal circumstances, you can get extra support from HMRC.

HMRC Postal Address

Most people these days contact HMRC online or by phone, simply because it’s much quicker. That said, there are still situations where you’ll need to send documents by post, for example, signed forms, official paperwork, or when HMRC specifically asks for it. Just keep in mind, the postal route tends to be slower, so it’s not ideal if you’re dealing with something urgent.

If you’re not given a specific address, most personal tax queries can be sent to the main HMRC office at:

HM Revenue and Customs
Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment
HMRC
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom

If you cannot use the telephone due to below reasons, there are alternative ways to get in touch with HMRC:

• you’re deaf, hearing impaired or hard of hearing
• you have a speech impairment
• you use British Sign Language (BSL)
• you have difficulty using the telephone

Text Service (Relay UK)

To use the Relay UK Text Service, simply dial 18001 followed by the relevant contact number.

For example, if you need to reach the VAT helpline at 0300 200 3700, you would dial 18001 0300 200 3700.

Webchat

You can use Webchat to get in touch with the extra support team.

British Sign Language (BSL)

To communicate in British Sign Language, you can use a BSL video interpreter from the InterpretersLive! service.

Home Visits and Appointments

For home visits or to book a face-to-face meeting, you need to fill in a form online. After filling it, get the email ID from the online form and email it to HMRC.

Make Complaints about HMRC Online Services

If you’re dissatisfied with the service you’ve received from HMRC, or you suspect there’s been an error with your tax matters, you can contact the relevant HMRC helpline to make complaints about HMRC online services. You don’t have to accept mistakes or poor service, take action and make your concerns known.

If you already have a Government Gateway user ID, you can use the relevant online form to submit a complaint as:

• an individual
• a business

No Government Gateway user ID? That’s fine. Just choose the appropriate online form below:

• an individual
• a business

If you’re an agent wanting to raise a complaint about HMRC’s online services, there’s a specific form for that as well.

Please note: HMRC will only send confidential information to you by email if you’ve provided written consent.

For assistance with HMRC’s online services, you can either select the ‘Get help with this page’ link at the bottom of the relevant page (if available), or contact the online services helpdesk directly.

Postal Address:

Prefer to put things in writing? You can mail your complaint about HMRC’s online services to the below address:

HMRC Digital Services
Complaints Unit
S1755
Newcastle
NE98 1ZZ
United Kingdom

Complain about Serious Misconduct by HMRC Staff

If you want to report serious misconduct by HMRC staff, it’s important to act promptly.

HMRC treats allegations of serious misconduct with utmost priority. Serious misconduct refers to behaviour that is:

• illegal
• serious enough to warrant disciplinary action and possible dismissal

This includes, but is not limited to: assault, corruption, fraud, or the unauthorised disclosure of customer information.

When submitting a complaint, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Your full name and address
• Relevant reference numbers (such as National Insurance, tax reference, VAT, or employer reference)
• A clear description of what occurred and when
• The staff member(s) involved
• The impact of the incident on you
• How you would like the situation to be resolved

Complain online

• complain online if you’re an individual
• complain online if you’re a business

You will need a Government Gateway ID; if you do not have one, you can create it during sign-in.

Complain by phone or post

Alternatively, you may file complain to HMRC by phone or post.

Once your complaint is filed, it will be reviewed by a member of HMRC who was not previously involved in your case. They may reach out for additional information if necessary.

If your complaint meets the criteria for external referral, HMRC will forward it to the relevant authority and keep you informed of next steps. If not, their complaints team will respond directly to your concern.

If you need to report a business that is not paying corporation tax or an individual that is committing fraud, there is a separate process to follow. You can report benefit fraud and other forms of fraud, such as identity theft, via an online form.

Reaching HMRC can be a real exercise in patience, especially if you happen to call at the wrong time. Their helplines are flooded with millions of calls each year, so a bit of strategic timing can really work in your favor.

Peak Times vs Off-Peak Times

Mondays, lunch hours, and the frantic days right after major tax deadlines (Self Assessment in January, or VAT return dates) are mostly busiest. If you call during these days, brace yourself for a wait, possibly a long one.

Off-peak hours are usually quieter, giving you a better chance of speaking to someone without too much delay.

Early Morning or Mid-Afternoon

Early mornings, right as the lines open around 8am, tend to be much quieter. Mid-afternoon, around 2–4pm, is another window where you’re more likely to get through without fighting a crowd. These off-peak times usually mean less time on hold and a smoother experience overall.

Avoiding Mondays and Deadline Rush Periods

Whatever you do, avoid Mondays if possible. Everyone delays tax tasks over the weekend, so call volume spikes the moment their lines open for the week. And don’t leave things until just before a big filing deadline, unless you enjoy waiting.

A little planning goes a long way. Timing calls wisely helps you spend less time waiting and get your tax query sorted more smoothly.

Let’s be honest, sometimes, reaching HMRC by phone can feel like you’re stuck in a waiting room that never ends. You plan, you prep, and you’re still on hold, wondering if anyone’s even out there.

If you’re struggling to make contact, there are other helpful options you can try:

1. Watch Videos and Webinars

HMRC regularly shares videos and live webinars covering topics like Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE, and business taxes. These resources explain things in simple terms and can answer many common questions without the need to call. You can watch them at any time, making them a flexible way to learn and get answers.

2. HMRC’s Engagement Forums

HMRC’s engagement forums are a smart resource. Accountants, business owners, and HMRC staff come together to discuss updates, share practical advice, and troubleshoot common issues.

3. Work With a London Accountant

If you’re based in London, connecting with an accountant in London is a game-changer. They understand HMRC processes and can handle communication on your behalf. This saves time and helps you deal with tax matters more smoothly.

Contacting HMRC is far easier when you’ve got the right details at your fingertips. No one wants to get stuck in a queue or end up speaking to the wrong department, time is money, after all. Save yourself (and your team) the hassle by keeping those contact details somewhere accessible. Whether you bookmark this page or save the numbers in your phone, having them on hand means you’re not scrambling when a tax issue pops up.

If you’re running a business, juggling multiple income streams, or just unsure about the best way to handle a specific situation, reaching out to a qualified accountant is a smart move. Their expertise keeps you compliant, helps avoid mistakes, and gives you peace of mind.

Contact HMRC the right way, keep things handy before you call, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if things start getting complicated. It’s a proactive approach that’ll save you effort and potentially money, down the line.

FAQs on HMRC Contact Details

What is the fastest way to contact HMRC?

‍Calling early in the morning or using HMRC’s online services is usually the quickest way.

Can I email HMRC directly?

‍No, HMRC doesn’t offer a direct email service. You can use their online forms or secure messages through your tax account.

How long does HMRC take to reply to letters?

‍It can take several weeks, depending on the time of year and the type of query.

Is HMRC webchat reliable?

‍Yes, HMRC’s webchat works well for simple queries, though it’s not always available.

Can my accountant contact HMRC on my behalf?

‍Yes, if you authorise them, your accountant can speak to HMRC and handle matters for you.