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HMRC confirms helpline opening on 31 January 2026

28 January, 2026

Further to our recent article on contacting HMRC on 31 January 2026, HMRC has announced today that the helpline for self-assessment queries will now be open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday 31 January 2026. This is in addition to the webchat support previously announced. Saturday 31 January 2026 is the deadline for filing a self-assessment return for the 2024/25 tax year. 

The Agent Dedicated Line (ADL) will not be open on Saturday, but agents can use the webchat service for tax agents from 8am to 4pm on Saturday 31 January 2026 as previously advised. 

Although there will now be additional support available on Saturday, anyone yet to file should take action sooner rather than later to avoid late filing penalties.

What HMRC are providing

  • An enhanced webchat capacity will be available from 8am to 4pm. This will cover self-assessment, agents, individuals who need extra support, bereavement services and the online services helpdesk
  • The self-assessment phone line and online services helpdesk will be available from 9am to 4pm.  We are advised that this will not be a full self-assessment helpline, but advisers will be able to answer common queries and, where needed, arrange a call back for more detailed support.
  • HMRC's Extra Support Team will prioritise call-backs for vulnerable customers.

The Agent Dedicated Line (ADL) will close on Friday 30 January 2026 at 6pm and reopen on Monday 2 February at 8am. 

Further details from HMRC about what has changed are as follows:

Guided by our Charter commitments, we want to do everything we can to help all our customers file on time. So, we have bolstered our support to ensure every customer can get the help they need on deadline day – with over 9 million customers already filed, we're confident Self Assessment is on track.

In addition to our enhanced webchat capacity, our phone helplines will also be open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday 31 January to provide Self Assessment support.

Digital services remain the fastest route to help. The phone line provides an additional safety net for customers who need to speak to someone.