HMRC payment problems contact number
If you cannot pay a tax bill, HMRC runs a separate payment line for each tax. The old single Business Payment Support Service number has gone; pick the line for the tax you owe.
Checked against gov.uk on 14 September 2026
Self Assessment payment problemsLocal rate
VAT payment problemsLocal rate
Employer's PAYE payment problemsLocal rate
Simple Assessment payment problemsLocal rate
Corporation Tax payment problemsLocal rate
Have this ready before you call
- Your reference for the tax you owe (UTR, VAT number or PAYE reference)
- How much you owe and what you can realistically pay per month
- Your bank details, to set up a payment plan
If the line is closed
- Many Self Assessment debts under £30,000 can be set up as a payment plan online without phoning, through your tax account
- HMRC's payment problems digital assistant can answer questions and transfer you to a webchat adviser
Common questions
What happened to the Business Payment Support Service?
HMRC replaced the single number with a line per tax. The 5 current lines are listed above, all open the same hours.
Will HMRC actually agree a payment plan?
Usually, if you contact them before the debt escalates and offer a realistic monthly amount. Time to pay arrangements are routine; ignoring the debt is what triggers enforcement.