HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) maintains several helplines for UK taxpayers, including standard 0300/0345 numbers and select 0800 Freephone lines.
Most primary contact numbers in 2026 are 0300 200 3300 (Income Tax) and 0300 200 3310 (Self Assessment). These are not inherently free but are included in mobile and landline inclusive minutes packages at no extra cost.
HMRC telephone number free 0800 0345 opening times
To contact HMRC for free in 2026, you should check if your phone provider includes 03 numbers in your monthly allowance, as 0300 and 0345 lines are charged at standard geographic rates.
Most HMRC departments operate from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with reduced Saturday hours for specific helplines like Self Assessment during peak periods.
Understanding How HMRC Call Charges Work
While many search for a free number, the reality is a two-tier system. HMRC has migrated almost all public-facing helplines to 0300 or 0345 prefixes. Under Ofcom regulations, these must cost no more than a call to a standard 01 or 02 landline.
If you have unlimited minutes on your mobile plan, these calls are effectively free. Genuine 0800 numbers are now largely reserved for debt management or vulnerable callers needing extra support.
HM Revenue free phone number: Is there a 100% free line?
In practice, we find that the only 100% free lines available to the general public are specific 0800 numbers for the Debt Management team (0800 328 0015) and certain Tax Credit replacement lines.
For 90% of business and personal tax queries, you will be directed to a 0300 number.
Step-by-Step: How to Call HMRC for Free
- Check your mobile allowance: Confirm you have inclusive minutes remaining.
- Use the 0300/0345 prefix: Dial the department-specific number (e.g., 0300 200 3310 for Self Assessment).
- Avoid 0845/0870: Never use these older prefixes found on unofficial websites, as they carry heavy surcharges.
- Utilise Webchat: Access the HMRC Digital Assistant via GOV.UK for a data-only (free) interaction.
- Call from a landline: Use a landline during off-peak hours if you lack a mobile contract.
- Request a callback: While rare, if you are in financial hardship, ask the advisor if they can call you back to save your credit.
What is the HMRC opening hours phone schedule?
HMRC has consolidated its opening times in 2026 to focus on peak demand. A common pattern we see is that Tuesday to Thursday mid-mornings have the longest wait times, often exceeding 20 minutes.
| Department | Weekday Hours | Saturday Hours | Sunday Status |
| Income Tax & PAYE | 8 am – 6 pm | Closed | Closed |
| Self Assessment | 8 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 4 pm* | Closed |
| VAT Enquiries | 8 am – 6 pm | Closed | Closed |
| Tax Credits | 8 am – 6 pm | 8 am – 4 pm | Closed |
*Saturday opening for Self Assessment is typically restricted to the January and April peak seasons.
Self Assessment Helplines: Calling 0300 200 3310 for Free
The primary HMRC self-assessment contact number is 0300 200 3310. For 2026, HMRC has reinforced its digital-first policy.
If you call this number, the automated system will actively encourage you to use the Digital Assistant before placing you in a queue.
During the recent January peak, one of our readers, a freelance graphic designer, attempted to call on January 30th. They faced a 45-minute wait time.
We advised them to use the HMRC live chat hours (available until 8 pm on deadline days). They resolved their UTR query in 12 minutes without spending a penny on phone credit.
HMRC VAT contact number 0800 free 0345 opening times
For business owners, the HMRC VAT contact number is 0300 200 3700. This line is notoriously busy on the 7th of every month (VAT return deadline).
- Is the 0345 number free for VAT? Only if your business mobile plan covers 03 prefixes.
- HMRC telephone number free 0345 opening times: For VAT, the lines close strictly at 6:00 pm. There is currently no Saturday service for VAT enquiries.
HMRC PAYE contact number 0800 free number 0345 opening times
Employers needing help with payroll should dial 0300 200 3200. This line covers P45/P60 issues, statutory pay, and RTI (Real Time Information) errors.
This department is also responsible for managing HMRC wage raid payroll checks so have your employer reference number ready if you are calling regarding an audit.
For those setting up payroll for the first time, mentioning your new employer status can often grant access to a priority support queue.
HM Revenue & Customs tax contact phone: Bypassing the Bot
Many users struggle with the automated voice recognition. To reach a human faster:
- Speak to an adviser clearly when prompted.
- Have your National Insurance number or UTR ready; if the system doesn’t recognise you, it may disconnect the call to save queue space.
- Avoid calling at 8:00 am sharp; everyone has the same idea. Try 10:30 am or 2:00 pm for slightly shorter wait times.
HMRC tax refund contact number: Finding your money
If you are expecting a P800 tax calculation or a Self Assessment repayment, use the 0300 200 3300 line.
This general line also serves those checking their eligibility for secondary incentives, including HMRC help to save bonus payments, and other low-income support schemes.
However, we recommend checking the Where’s my reply? tool on the official GOV.UK website first. In 2026, telephone advisors have the same information as the online tracker, so calling rarely speeds up the actual payment.
Custom revenue contact number: Importing and Exporting
For queries regarding the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or general import duties, the custom revenue contact number is 0300 322 9434.
As trade regulations evolve, this department has seen increased staffing in 2026 to handle post-Brexit complexity.
FAQ about HMRC Telephone Number Free 0800 0345 Opening Times
Is the 0345 number free from a UK mobile?
No, it is not free like an 0800 number. However, if you have a monthly contract with providers like EE, O2, or Vodafone, 0345 calls are deducted from your inclusive minutes at no extra charge.
What are the HMRC live chat hours in 2026?
HMRC live chat generally operates from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday. This is longer than the phone lines, making it the best option for evening queries.
How do I contact HM Revenue for a lost National Insurance number?
Call the NI enquiries line on 0300 200 3500. You will need to answer security questions. They cannot give the number over the phone; they will post it to your registered address.
Does HMRC have a 24-hour telephone number?
No. HMRC does not offer 24/7 phone support. The earliest lines open is 8:00 am, and all lines are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Can I call HMRC for free from abroad?
Calling +44 161 931 9070 from outside the UK will incur international roaming charges. If you are prompted for a digital reference, verify your specific query against the HMRC internal guidance update 1619687065 before connecting with an agent.
We recommend using the HMRC Personal Tax Account messaging service to avoid these costs.
Why does my phone say Potential Scam when HMRC calls?
HMRC’s outgoing numbers often appear as Private or Unknown. Because scammers spoof HMRC numbers, many UK networks flag them. HMRC will never ask for your PIN or password over the phone.
What is the best time to call HMRC to avoid queues?
Statistically, Tuesday to Thursday between 8:30 am and 10:30 am is the sweet spot. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons when call volumes peak.
Final Advice for Taxpayers
Finding the right HMRC telephone number free 0800 0345 opening times, requires knowing your specific department.
In 2026, the most efficient route is to use the 0300 200 3310 (Self Assessment) or 0300 200 3300 (Income Tax) lines.
For internal record tracking regarding these specific service updates, we suggest referencing the official service log 2073656004 if prompted by the digital assistant for a specific case ID.
If you are on a Pay As You Go (PAYG) plan, we strongly recommend using the HMRC Live Chat to avoid depleting your credit.
To save time, always check your Personal Tax Account for digital solutions before picking up the phone. When a call is necessary, ensure your 10-digit UTR or National Insurance number is to hand, and aim to dial mid-week during the morning lull to significantly reduce your time on hold.
