Following HMRC's recent announcement that their telephone helplines would be closed on Self Assessment deadline day, 31 January 2026, with only enhanced webchat support available, they have since announced a U-turn and telephone support will be provided for a limited period.
Initial announcement
In a press release issued on 23 January, reminding those in Self Assessment to file their 2024-25 tax returns by the end of the month, HMRC advised that their Self Assessment telephone helplines would be closed on deadline day, Saturday 31 January.
HMRC said, "This year’s deadline falls on a Saturday. Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC’s phone lines, which are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Phone lines close on Friday, 30 January and reopen on Monday, 2 February - after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk."
HMRC informed the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) that an expanded digital service would be operating on 31 January between 8 am and 4 pm. HMRC advised that:
- Webchat capacity will be 'significantly' increased.
- It will cover a wider range of services, including Self Assessment, the agent-dedicated line, the extra support team, bereavement enquiries and the online helpdesk.
- A call-back process will be available for taxpayers who need extra support or assistance from the complex case teams.
- LITRG understands that this will be offered where it is identified that extra support is required that cannot be provided via webchat.
HMRC's U-turn
On 28 January, HMRC changed their position, announcing that the helpline for Self Assessment queries will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 31 January.
- HMRC have 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 (prioritised for vulnerable taxpayers).
- This is in addition to the webchat support previously announced (above).
The Agent Dedicated Line (ADL) will close on Friday, 30 January 2026, at 6 pm and reopen on Monday, 2 February at 8 am.
Useful guides on this topic
Top tips for last-minute tax returns
This guide is a summary of top tips for dealing with last-minute tax returns, what not to forget and how to protect against enquiries.
Last minute: Late tax return notification
What should you do if you are a taxpayer (or agent for a taxpayer) who has never been in Self Assessment before, and it is discovered in late January that a tax return needs to be filed?
Online filing exclusions for 2024-25 tax returns
Some taxpayers will be unable to file their Self Assessment returns online for the year ended 5 April 2025, due to software specification issues from HMRC. Lists of filing exclusions for individuals, partnerships, trusts and estates have recently been published by HMRC.
Payments On Account (POAs): Self Assessment
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Provisional and estimated figures in tax returns
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Failure to notify chargeability to tax
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External links
GOV.UK: Eight days left to file your Self Assessment
LITRG: HMRC confirm phone lines will be closed on 31 January filing deadline