Genuine HMRC Phone Numbers 2026 – Verify a Call Claiming to Be HMRC

Genuine HMRC phone numbers

‘HMRC’ calls about unpaid tax, arrest warrants and National Insurance fraud are one of the UK’s most common phone scams. These are the real HMRC helpline numbers, verified against gov.uk — and how to tell a genuine call from an impersonator.

Verified against gov.uk

Checked 12 June 2026

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The genuine HMRC helpline numbers

These are HMRC’s main published helplines, each verified directly against its gov.uk contact page on 12 June 2026. Helplines are typically open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, and closed on bank holidays — check the linked gov.uk page for current hours.

Helpline	Phone (UK)	Outside UK	Source
Self Assessment	`0300 200 3310`	`+44 161 931 9070`	gov.uk
Income Tax & PAYE	`0300 200 3300`	`+44 135 535 9022`	gov.uk
National Insurance	`0300 200 3500`	`+44 191 203 7010`	gov.uk
VAT general enquiries	`0300 200 3700`	`+44 2920 501 261`	gov.uk
Employers (PAYE/NI)	`0300 200 3200`	`+44 151 268 0558`	gov.uk
Child Benefit	`0300 200 3100`	`+44 161 210 3086`	gov.uk

All 0300 numbers cost the same as a normal landline call and count towards inclusive minutes — see our 03 numbers guide. Textphone users: National Insurance has a dedicated textphone on 0300 200 3519.

Why a ‘genuine’ number on caller ID still isn’t proof

Scammers spoof caller IDs, including HMRC’s real numbers above — so a call showing 0300 200 3300 is not automatically HMRC. The safe pattern is simple: never act on an inbound call. Hang up, find the helpline on gov.uk (or this page), and ring it yourself. Read more: the HMRC phone scam explained and caller ID spoofing.

What HMRC will never do on a call

Threaten you with immediate arrest or court action in a recorded message.
Demand payment by gift cards, vouchers or bank transfer to a personal account.
Ask for your full online banking credentials or one-time codes.
Pressure you to act within minutes or stay on the line while you move money.

Had one of these? It’s a scam — see the National Insurance scam call and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

Reporting an HMRC impersonation

Forward suspicious texts to 60599 (HMRC’s dedicated short code) and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Report scam calls through gov.uk’s ‘report an HMRC scam’ form, and any scam to Action Fraud.
General scam texts can also be forwarded free to 7726.

Check any number that claimed to be HMRC

Paste it into the checker above. Genuine HMRC helplines are 0300 numbers whose ranges are allocated to major carriers; a ‘tax office’ calling from an 070 personal number, an 09 premium number or an unallocated range is a giveaway. Also see our guide to UK scam number ranges.

HMRC numbers — frequently asked questions

What number does HMRC call from?

HMRC's published helplines are mostly 0300 numbers (e.g. 0300 200 3300 for Income Tax), but outbound HMRC calls can show different or withheld numbers - and scammers spoof the genuine ones. So the number alone never proves a call is real: if in doubt, hang up and call the official helpline yourself.

Is 0300 200 3300 genuine?

Yes - 0300 200 3300 is HMRC's Income Tax enquiries helpline, published on gov.uk. But caller ID can be spoofed, so an incoming call showing this number is not automatically HMRC. Call back via gov.uk if unsure.

Will HMRC ever threaten me with arrest over the phone?

No. Automated 'you will be arrested' or 'legal action against your National Insurance number' calls are scams. HMRC says it will never leave threatening voicemails or demand immediate payment by gift card, voucher or transfer.

How do I report an HMRC scam call or text?

Forward suspicious texts claiming to be HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk; report scam phone calls via the form on gov.uk ('Avoid and report internet scams and phishing'). General scam texts can also go to 7726.

How much do calls to HMRC's 0300 numbers cost?

0300 numbers cost the same as calling a normal 01/02 landline and count towards inclusive minutes on landline and mobile plans - Ofcom rules guarantee it.