Reference guide
HMRC contact numbers for agents — Self Assessment and PAYE
A clear reference table of the lines that matter to registered agents, with verified hold times and practical notes.
Agent contact numbers at a glance
| Line | Number | Hours | Typical hold | Who can call |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agent Dedicated Line — SA & PAYE Agents only | 0300 200 3311 | 8am–6pm Mon–Fri | 10–45 min | Registered agents with a valid agent code |
| Debt Management (agent) | 0300 200 3887 | 8am–6pm Mon–Fri | 15–50 min | Registered agents |
| Self Assessment — public line | 0300 200 3310 | 8am–6pm Mon–Fri | 20–60+ min | Taxpayers (not for agent use) |
Important: 0300 200 3310 (ending in 10) is the public Self Assessment helpline. 0300 200 3311 (ending in 11) is the Agent Dedicated Line. Agents dialling the public line may receive a lower standard of service and will face longer queues. Always use 3311.
The Agent Dedicated Line — 0300 200 3311
The Agent Dedicated Line (ADL) is HMRC's primary telephone channel for registered tax agents. It covers:
- Self Assessment queries — returns, penalties, payments on account, repayments
- PAYE queries — coding notices, P800s, underpayments, employer records
- Client record changes — address updates, name changes, status changes
- General account queries for individual and partnership clients
The ADL does not cover Corporation Tax, VAT, or PAYE employer-side payroll filing issues — those are handled by separate HMRC helplines.
Debt Management — 0300 200 3887
The Debt Management line handles time-sensitive debt-related matters for agents, including:
- Time to Pay (TTP) arrangements — proposing, amending, or reviewing instalment plans
- Enforcement queries — stopping distraint, disputing liabilities
- Payment queries — confirming receipt, allocating payments to the correct period
If your client has received a demand letter or is at risk of enforcement action, use this number. Typical hold times are slightly longer than the ADL.
What to expect on the call
For both the ADL and Debt Management lines, an adviser will run a security check at the start of the call. Have the following ready:
- Your HMRC agent reference number (from your agent code letter)
- The client's UTR (for Self Assessment) or PAYE reference (for PAYE queries)
- The client's date of birth or current postcode
Hold times are based on 47 verified calls placed by the holdNavigator team to the Agent Dedicated Line between January and July 2026. HMRC does not publish queue data in real time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ADL for Corporation Tax agent queries?
No. The ADL handles Self Assessment and PAYE only. For Corporation Tax queries as an agent, call the Corporation Tax Agent Dedicated Line: 0300 200 3410 (8am–6pm Mon–Fri).
What if my call drops after holding?
HMRC occasionally terminates long-held calls. If this happens, redial immediately. There is no guaranteed callback from HMRC if your call drops.
Is there an online alternative to calling?
Yes. Many queries can be resolved through the HMRC Agent Services Account or the older Client List in the Government Gateway. You can view client tax positions, submit authorisations, and in some cases amend returns without calling. However, complex queries — especially those requiring account corrections — still require a phone call.
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