A number of red old-fashioned phone handsets are dangling by their wires against a grey backdrop

Contacting HMRC on 31 January 2026

22 January, 2026

With the self-assessment deadline rapidly approaching, HMRC has confirmed that their phone lines will not be open on 31 January and instead there will be enhanced support offered via webchat.

The deadline for those who need to file a self-assessment return for the 2024/25 tax year is 31 January 2026. This is a Saturday and HMRC has confirmed that the last day their phone lines will be open prior to the deadline will be Friday 30 January 2026. Phonelines will then reopen on Monday 2 February 2026.

Anyone who has yet to file, and thinks they may need support from HMRC should act sooner rather than later.

On deadline day itself, HMRC will be offering an enhanced webchat service from 8am to 4pm. The webchat service on deadline day will be available for queries including:

  • submitting 2024-25 tax returns,
  • making payment,
  • online services, and
  • bereavement.

HMRC will be operating a call-back process for vulnerable taxpayers who need extra support.

Support for agents

The Agent Dedicated Line will also close at the end of Friday 30 January 2026 and reopen on Monday 2 February 2026, with an enhanced webchat service for tax agents from 8am to 4pm on Saturday 31 January 2026.