Why do you need to contact HMRC?

Businesses have many reasons to contact HMRC, some of which are more common than others. This section describes what HMRC is, and provides a list of reasons why you should contact HM Revenue and Customs, with explanations.

What is HMRC?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the tax, payments and customs authority of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for collecting taxes used to fund various UK public services. Businesses manage their tax affairs in line with HMRC requirements and guidance; see current information on gov.uk for what applies to your organisation.  HMRC provides support to assist organisations to accurately manage their tax responsibilities. On the other hand, it actively works to prevent tax evasion.

Key services HMRC provides

There are several reasons why businesses would contact HMRC. These are outlined below.

Registering your business

When starting a business, check on gov.uk how and when to register with HMRC based on your business structure. First, identify the category of your business. This could be a limited company, a sole trader or a partnership. Business registration is completed on the HMRC website. Limited companies register with Companies House; see the Companies House service on gov.uk for the latest registration steps and fees (for example, online incorporation has been £12). Successful registration provides a unique taxpayer reference.

Maintaining accurate records

Completing regular tax returns

Different business structures have different filing obligations and deadlines. Check the relevant HMRC pages on gov.uk for what to file and when. According to gov.uk, tax returns are filed annually; see current requirements for details. The data is used by HMRC to calculate taxes owed. Limited companies typically file annual returns and company tax submissions; confirm the current requirements on gov.uk and Companies House. 

Sole traders and partnerships typically register for Self-Assessment and file their returns through HMRC’s online system.  

Paying income taxes, corporation tax and national insurance

Sole traders and partnerships pay income tax on profits once they exceed the personal allowance. Limited companies pay income tax on salaries and dividends.

Depending on thresholds, businesses may need to register for and charge VAT; employers also account for PAYE and National Insurance. Confirm current thresholds and rates on gov.uk. The amount payable depends on earnings and any gaps in National Insurance records.

Related: Our general page on taxes shares more on this topic.

How to contact HMRC

The method used to contact HMRC depends on the nature of the request but reaching the correct department will save you time and make the process more efficient. Check the contact information below for the correct channel to use for different queries, including online links, X accounts, phone numbers, postal addresses and more:

• Self Assessment
• Tax Credits
• Income Tax (including PAYE)
• Employers Tax (including employers’ PAYE)
• National Insurance contribution
• VAT
• The Construction Industry Scheme
• For any Suspect fraudulent emails from HMRC 
• Child Benefit

You can also contact HMRC for any other taxes or HMRC services.

For any other taxes or services, or if you’re facing difficulties signing into your HMRC profile, comprehensive support is available on HMRC online services.

HMRC provides Welsh language services with Taliadau, Ymholiadau TAW, Tollau ac Ecséis and Treth Incwm, Hunanasesiad a mwy.

It is also possible to make a complaint about HMRC online services or report serious misconduct by HMRC staff through the dedicated HMRC helpline.

Channels to contact HMRC

The various different ways you can contact HMRC services are listed below.

Via the website

Log in through the government gateway to check your tax code and your estimated income tax. Here you can also check for any replies to your queries submitted online.

Via the X account

General assistance is available via @HMRCcustomers on X, though specific cases cannot be discussed.

By phone

If you prefer to speak to someone, contact HMRC at 0300 200 3300 or +44 135 535 9022 from outside the United Kingdom. You can use these lines if you need help with your income tax, class 4 national insurance, issues with your tax code and more.

Note that the HMRC opening hours are from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed on weekends and bank holidays. Phone lines tend to be less busy before 10 a.m.

Also note that the helpline is based on a speech recognition tool. Use key words to make sure you get to the right service.

Through the post

It is possible to write to HMRC for queries relating to taxes and complaints via the following address:

Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment

HM Revenue and Customs

BX9 1AS

United Kingdom

If you need further assistance due to conditions such as dyslexia, autism, disabilities, financial hardships or personal circumstances, extra support is available from HMRC.

If you are unable to speak into a phone

You can text HMRC through their text services. Send your message to: 18001 and the relevant contact number to use the Relay Text Service.

You can also use the Webchat for extra support.

British Sign Language (BSL)

You can use the video BSL interpreter from InterpretersLive! service if you need to communicate in sign language.

Home visits and appointments

For face-to-face meetings or a home visit, submit a request via the online form and follow up via email to HMRC using the ID provided.

With more services moving online, walk-in centres are closing, so it is important for businesses to understand how to use HMRC’s resources efficiently. Staying informed about the services and channels available ensures effective management of your tax affairs with HMRC.