13 December 2011

New phone number for the tax credits helpline

Back in October, we published a blog post highlighting an announcement by David Gauke (Exchequer Secretary) that HMRC would, by the end of the year, be able to offer an 0345 number to those calling the tax credits helpline. 

In keeping with this commitment, HMRC have confirmed that from 8 December 2011 the tax credit helpline can be accessed using an 0345 number. 

The new main tax credit helpline number is 0345 300 3900. The textphone number is 0345 300 3909.

The old 0845 numbers will continue to be in use for approximately 18 months. 

The provision of an 0345 number is expected to result in significant cost savings for the majority of callers to the line. Claimants will only pay the same amount as a landline call to an 01 or an 02 number and the price is the same for calls from mobiles.0345 numbers are generally included in any discount schemes or inclusive call minutes that you may already have with landline or mobile phone operators.

HMRC have confirmed that the intermediaries helpline and the agents priority line will remain as 0845 numbers.

We hope that similar announcements will be made regarding HMRC's other helplines. 

The official announcement can be found on the HMRC website.