Dealing with HMRC
Sorting things out with HMRC.
Some things are quickest done directly with HMRC, like paying a bill, finding your UTR or getting back into your online account. Here’s where to go for each, and when to come to us instead.
What do you need?
Go straight to the answer.
Payments
Paying a tax bill
HMRC is paid directly. We can’t take tax payments on your behalf, but we can tell you how much is due and the reference to use.
- Self Assessment: use your 11-character payment reference, which is your 10-digit UTR followed by the letter K.
- Same or next day: online or telephone banking (Faster Payments), approving a payment through your bank’s app, or a debit or corporate credit card online.
- Allow 3 to 5 working days for Bacs or Direct Debit, so leave time before the deadline.
- Companies, VAT and employers each have their own reference. Check your HMRC letter or online account, or ask us.
Your UTR
Finding your UTR
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number HMRC gives you when you register for Self Assessment.
- Sign in to your HMRC personal tax account or the HMRC app, where it’s shown on your profile.
- Look on previous tax returns and HMRC letters, such as a notice to file or a payment reminder.
- A new UTR usually arrives by post around 15 days after you register.
- Company UTR: request a copy online and HMRC will post it to the registered office address at Companies House.
From us: if we already act for you, we’ll have your UTR on file. Just give us a call.
Online accounts
Signing in to HMRC
Lost your Government Gateway user ID, password or access code? Only HMRC can help you get back in.
- Forgotten your user ID or password: choose the option to recover or reset your details on the HMRC sign-in page.
- New phone or no access code: sign in with your user ID and password, choose “You can get help” when asked for the code, and follow the steps.
- Locked out: your account unlocks automatically after 2 hours. HMRC advisers can’t unlock it any sooner.
- Still stuck? HMRC’s digital assistant can help, and can pass you to a webchat adviser when one is available.
From us: we can’t see or reset your HMRC login. Never share your sign-in details with anyone, including us. As your agent, we use our own secure access.
Employees and pensions
Tax codes and PAYE
If you’re employed or receive a pension, your tax code tells your employer or pension provider how much tax to take.
- Check your tax code and income tax estimate in your personal tax account or the HMRC app.
- Tell HMRC about changes, such as a new job, a second income or a company car, so your code stays right.
- Had a P800 tax calculation? It shows whether you’ve paid too much or too little. Refunds can usually be claimed online.
- For PAYE, tax code and P800 questions, call HMRC’s Income Tax helpline on 0300 200 3300.
Payment problems
Can’t pay on time?
If you can’t pay a tax bill in full, act early. HMRC is usually more flexible before a deadline than after it.
- You may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement to pay what you owe in instalments.
- A budget payment plan lets you make weekly or monthly Direct Debit payments towards your next Self Assessment bill, as long as you’re up to date.
- Interest is still charged on late payments, so it’s worth paying what you can as soon as you can.
From us: talk to us before the deadline. We can check the figures and help you work out an affordable plan.
Stay safe
Scam calls and emails
Scammers often pretend to be HMRC, especially around tax deadlines. HMRC will never contact you by text or email about a tax refund or ask for your bank details that way.
- Forward suspicious HMRC emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete them.
- Forward suspicious texts to 60599.
- Report suspicious phone calls using HMRC’s online form.
- Don’t click links or call numbers in a message you’re unsure about. If in doubt, call us first.
Working with us
What we can and can’t do with HMRC.
As your accountants we can deal with most things for you, but some things only you or HMRC can do.
What we can do
- Talk to HMRC for youOnce you’ve authorised us as your agent, we can phone and write to HMRC about your tax.
- Deal with HMRC lettersPenalty notices, reminders, enquiries and compliance checks. Send them to us and we’ll handle the reply.
- Prepare and file your returnsSelf Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT and payroll submissions, filed on time.
- Tell you what to pay and whenThe amount, the deadline and the right payment reference to use.
- Appeal penaltiesWhere there’s a reasonable excuse, we can appeal a penalty on your behalf.
- Help if you can’t payWe’ll check the figures and help you ask HMRC for a Time to Pay arrangement.
- Register you with HMRCFor Self Assessment, VAT or as an employer.
- Check whether it’s genuineNot sure a call, text or email is really from HMRC? Ask us before you reply.
What we can’t do
- Guarantee an outcomeAppeals and payment plans are HMRC’s decision, though we’ll make the strongest case we can.
- Pay your tax for youTax is paid by you, straight to HMRC. We can’t take or pass on tax payments.
- Get into your HMRC online accountWe can’t see, reset or recover your Government Gateway user ID, password or access code.
- Unlock a locked accountA locked HMRC account unlocks itself after 2 hours. Nobody, including HMRC, can do it sooner.
- Act for you before you’ve authorised usHMRC needs your permission first. For some taxes they post you a code to pass on to us.
- Discuss someone else’s taxEven a husband, wife or family member, unless they’ve authorised us too.
- Speed HMRC upWe can chase, but we can’t make HMRC process refunds, registrations or letters any faster.
- Move HMRC deadlinesFiling and payment deadlines are set by law. We help you meet them, not change them.
Useful numbers
HMRC phone numbers
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed on bank holidays. Have your UTR or National Insurance number ready when you call.
Had a letter from HMRC? Send it to us.
Penalties, enquiries, brown envelopes you’d rather not open: if we act for you, we can deal with HMRC on your behalf. Not sure where to start? Ask us first.