HMRC confirm phonelines will be open on 31 January filing deadline
HMRC have confirmed that they will offer some telephone service on 31 January 2026, the self assessment deadline. They will also run an expanded digital service on Saturday 31 January 2026 and have confirmed the online support helpdesk will be open on 31 January 2026.
HMRC had previously indicated that they were not planning to offer phone line services on 31 January, the self assessment filing deadline. However. HMRC has now advised us that their Self Assessment and online service helpdesk helplines will be open between 9am and 4pm on 31 January, although they will not be offering a full service. Instead, advisers on these lines will only be able to answer common queries and, where needed, arrange a callback for more detailed support.
HMRC have also confirmed that they will provide an enhanced digital support service on Saturday 31 January 2026.
HMRC say that on 31 January they will significantly increase webchat capacity and that webchat 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 those customers who need extra support or assistance from the complex case teams. We understand this will be offered if help cannot be given via webchat and extra support is identified as needed. They also confirm that 24/7 digital resources – including the digital assistant and GOV.UK guidance – will remain available throughout.
