If you have recently seen the number 0800 033 8055 pop up on your caller ID or found it on a tax-related document, you are likely looking for clarity. In an age where phone scams are increasingly sophisticated, it is natural to be cautious when receiving a call from an unknown 0800 number. The short answer is that 0800 033 8055 is an official contact number for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the United Kingdom, specifically dedicated to Income Tax enquiries for individuals.
Navigating the UK tax system can be a daunting task, and speaking to a real person is often the only way to resolve complex issues. Whether you are calling to query your tax code, discuss a refund, or update your personal details, understanding how this specific helpline works can save you hours of frustration. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about contacting HMRC via this line, how to stay safe from fraudsters, and how to make your call as efficient as possible.
What is 0800 033 8055?
The number 0800 033 8055 is the primary freephone helpline for HMRC’s Income Tax department. It is designed to handle queries related to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and general Income Tax concerns for employees and pensioners. Unlike some of the older 0300 numbers which may incur local call charges depending on your provider, this 0800 number is generally free to call from both UK landlines and mobiles.
HMRC uses this line to centralize a massive volume of enquiries. Because Income Tax affects almost every adult in the UK, this is one of the busiest departments in the government. When you dial 0800 033 8055, you are entering a system that manages millions of records, so being prepared before you hit the “call” button is essential for a smooth experience.
Primary Uses for This Number:
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Checking your current tax code (e.g., 1257L).
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Claiming a tax refund if you believe you have overpaid.
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Reporting a change in your income or benefits.
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Updating your name, address, or marital status.
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Discussing tax-deductible expenses related to your job.
Why Would HMRC Call You From 0800 033 8055?
While most people use 0800 033 8055 to reach out to HMRC, there are occasions where they might call you. This can often cause panic, as HMRC is a high-authority body. However, if they are calling you from this verified number, it is usually for administrative follow-ups rather than “aggressive” enforcement.
Typically, an outbound call from this department occurs if you have an open case or if you recently submitted a form that requires clarification. For example, if you applied for a tax rebate and there is a discrepancy in your bank details, an officer might call to verify the information.
It is important to note that while 0800 033 8055 is a legitimate number, “spoofing” technology exists. This is where scammers make their caller ID look like a trusted number. If you receive an unexpected call from this number and the person on the other end starts asking for immediate payments via gift cards or crypto, hang up immediately. HMRC will never ask for payment in this manner.
Common Reasons to Call the 0800 033 8055 Helpline
Most taxpayers only need to contact HMRC when something feels “off” with their paycheck. If you are sitting with your payslip in hand and noticing a sudden drop in take-home pay, calling 0800 033 8055 is usually your first step. Let’s break down the most common reasons why you might need to dial this line.
1. Correcting an Incorrect Tax Code
Your tax code tells your employer how much tax-free income you are entitled to. If HMRC has the wrong information about your job, second income, or company car, they might issue an “emergency code” or an incorrect deduction. By calling 0800 033 8055, you can provide the correct details and have your code updated, often resulting in a tax adjustment in your next paycheck.
2. Claiming a Tax Rebate
If you have stopped working mid-way through a tax year or if you have been on the wrong tax code for a long period, you might be owed money. While many refunds are processed automatically, some require a manual trigger. Speaking to an advisor on the 0800 033 8055 line allows you to confirm your total earnings for the year and initiate the refund process.
3. Reporting Tax-Relief on Expenses
Many employees are unaware that they can claim tax relief on professional subscriptions, uniform cleaning, or travel to temporary workplaces. If the online “Claim for expenses” portal isn’t working for you, calling 0800 033 8055 allows you to explain your situation to an advisor who can apply these allowances to your record.
How to Prepare for Your Call to 0800 033 8055
One of the biggest complaints about calling HMRC is the length of time spent on hold. To ensure that your time on the 0800 033 8055 line isn’t wasted, you must have all your documentation ready before you dial. The automated system and the human advisors will ask for specific “security identifiers” to prove you are who you say you are.
You should have the following items ready:
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National Insurance (NI) Number: This is your primary identifier. You can find it on your payslip, P60, or the HMRC app.
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Your P60 or P45: These documents show your total pay and the tax deducted by your employer.
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Current Payslip: The advisor may ask for your “Gross Pay to Date” or your employer’s PAYE reference number.
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Personal Details: Your full name, current address, and previous address if you have moved recently.
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Details of other income: This includes state benefits, pensions, or rental income.
When you call 0800 033 8055, you will first encounter an automated voice recognition system. Be clear and use simple keywords like “Change of address” or “Tax code query.” If the system doesn’t understand you, it may loop you back to the start, so try to call from a quiet environment.
Identifying and Avoiding HMRC Phone Scams
The legitimacy of 0800 033 8055 does not mean you should lower your guard completely. Tax-related fraud is a multi-million-pound industry. Fraudsters often use the fear of “arrest warrants” or “legal action” to bully people into giving up financial details.
Red Flags of a Scam Call:
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Urgency: The caller claims you will be arrested or fined within hours if you don’t pay.
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Payment Method: They ask for payment via bank transfer, Bitcoin, or digital gift cards (like Apple or Amazon).
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Requesting a PIN: HMRC will never ask for your 4-digit bank PIN or your online banking password.
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Aggressive Tone: Real HMRC advisors are professional and generally helpful; they do not threaten citizens with immediate jail time over the phone.
If you are unsure whether the person calling from 0800 033 8055 is real, the safest option is to hang up. Wait ten minutes to ensure the line is clear, then manually dial the number yourself. This ensures you are actually connected to the official HMRC switchboard.
Best Times to Call 0800 033 8055 for Shorter Wait Times
Wait times for the 0800 033 8055 helpline can vary wildly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the time of the tax year. During peak seasons, such as the end of the tax year (March/April) or the Self-Assessment deadline (January), hold times can exceed 40 minutes.
Golden Rules for Calling:
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Call Early: The lines typically open at 8:00 AM. Calling right at the opening time usually results in the shortest wait.
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Mid-Week is Best: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be slightly quieter than Mondays or Fridays.
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Avoid Lunchtime: Many people try to call during their lunch break (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM), leading to a significant spike in wait times.
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Evening Calls: If you can’t call in the morning, try the late afternoon before the lines close (usually around 6:00 PM), though this can be hit or miss.
Alternatives to Calling 0800 033 8055
If you find the wait times for 0800 033 8055 to be too long, HMRC has invested heavily in digital alternatives. For many standard tasks, you no longer need to speak to an advisor at all.
The Personal Tax Account (PTA)
The Personal Tax Account is a digital portal that allows you to manage your tax affairs online. By signing in via Government Gateway, you can perform almost all the tasks associated with the 0800 033 8055 line, including:
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Changing your address.
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Checking your state pension forecast.
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Viewing your tax code and estimated income.
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Claiming tax refunds.
The HMRC App
The mobile app is arguably the fastest way to check your details. It uses biometric login (FaceID or Fingerprint) and provides a clear summary of your current tax status. If you just need to find your National Insurance number or check if a refund has been issued, the app is much faster than calling 0800 033 8055.
Webchat Services
HMRC also offers a “Digital Assistant” and live webchat. This can be a middle ground between a phone call and a static web page. You can type your query, and if the bot can’t help, it will eventually put you through to a human webchat advisor.
What to Do if You Call from Abroad
If you are currently outside the UK but need to discuss your UK Income Tax, the 0800 033 8055 number may not work, as 0800 numbers are often restricted to domestic callers. Instead, you should use the international dialling code.
The overseas number for HMRC Income Tax enquiries is +44 135 535 9022. Be aware that calling this number from abroad will likely incur international call charges from your service provider. Ensure you have your UK National Insurance number ready, as the security process remains the same regardless of where you are calling from.
Summary of Opening Hours
Before you pick up the phone to dial 0800 033 8055, ensure they are actually open. Their hours have been known to change based on government funding and staffing levels, but the standard operating times are:
| Day | Opening Hours |
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed (Usually) |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Bank Holidays | Closed |
Note: It is always worth checking the official GOV.UK website for any temporary “seasonal” closures or reduced hours.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tax Enquiries
The number 0800 033 8055 is a vital link between the UK public and the tax office. While the prospect of calling HMRC can feel intimidating or tedious, it remains the most direct way to resolve discrepancies in your Income Tax. By preparing your documents in advance, calling during off-peak hours, and remaining vigilant against potential scams, you can navigate your tax issues with confidence.
If you have a complex tax situation, don’t wait for a letter to arrive. Being proactive by calling 0800 033 8055 can prevent underpayments from ballooning into large debts and ensure that any money owed to you is back in your bank account as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 0800 033 8055 free to call?
Yes, 0800 033 8055 is a freephone number. It is free to call from UK landlines and most UK mobile networks. You do not need credit on your mobile to call this number, provided your SIM card is active.
2. Can I discuss my Self-Assessment on this number?
While the advisors on 0800 033 8055 deal with Income Tax, they primarily focus on PAYE (employees). If your query is specifically about a Self-Assessment tax return, you may be redirected to the dedicated Self-Assessment helpline at 0300 200 3310. However, for general tax code issues, the 0800 number is a good starting point.
3. What should I do if the line keeps cutting off?
HMRC’s phone systems can become overwhelmed during peak times. If your call to 0800 033 8055 drops, it is usually due to high network traffic. Try calling back early the next morning at 8:00 AM sharp, or use the HMRC Personal Tax Account online to send a secure message instead.
4. Can someone else call 0800 033 8055 on my behalf?
Due to strict data protection laws, HMRC will only speak to you or an authorized agent (like an accountant). If you want a family member to speak for you, you usually need to be present at the start of the call to pass security and give verbal consent for them to continue the conversation.
5. I received a text message saying to call 0800 033 8055 for a refund. Is it real?
Be very careful. While the number itself is legitimate, HMRC rarely sends texts asking you to call a specific number for a refund. They usually communicate via the official “HMRC” sender ID with no links, or via post. Never click links in a tax-related text message. If in doubt, type the number 0800 033 8055 manually into your phone to call them.
