Guides › Public Services › How to Contact HMRC and Get Through
How to Contact HMRC and Get Through
HMRC can be contacted through its online services and digital assistant, live webchat where available, by phone on 03 numbers, and by post, which is usually slowest. Email is generally only offered as a reasonable adjustment. If you are struggling, ask for HMRC's extra support team. Avoid calling at busy times, keep a note of every contact, and never use 09, 087 or 084 numbers that charge to connect you.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Contacting HMRC
Ways to Contact
Phone (most helplines start with 03), online services, the digital assistant and live webchat where available, and post, which is likely to take longer. Email is generally not available except as a reasonable adjustment or in some situations. source
Extra Support
HMRC has an extra support service if you are struggling to deal with your tax or need help with a form. source
Tips
Avoid calling at lunchtime, just after 9am, in the evening or just before closing. Have your National Insurance number, postcode and UTR ready. Note the date, time and adviser's name. Save webchat transcripts. Beware of 09, 087 or 084 numbers that may be expensive call connection services. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Each contactKeep a recordDate, time, name and what was agreed
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Try your personal tax account or the HMRC app first.
Step 2 of 5
Use webchat if available and save the transcript.
Step 3 of 5
Call at quieter times with your details ready.
Step 4 of 5
Ask for extra support if you need it.
Step 5 of 5
Write with a clear heading and keep a copy.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Personal Tax Account
Sign in on GOV.UK to check your tax code, income and letters.
HMRC
Contact HMRC through your personal tax account, the HMRC app or the phone and post details on GOV.UK.
Free Tax Help
TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People give free advice if your income is low.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Search results sometimes show paid connection services: use the numbers on GOV.UK.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- litrg.org.uk/tax-nic/getting-help-tax/contacting-hmrc-help Checked 16 October 2026