Update on HMRC support for self-assessment deadline

With the self-assessment deadline of 31 January falling on a weekend, HMRC have outlined the support available on the day.

HMRC have announced that in addition to their enhanced webchat capacity, the phone helplines will also be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 31 January to provide self-assessment support. This is a change from a previous announcement, which stated that additional phone helpline support was not going to be available on the deadline day.  
 
 To get the fastest support from HMRC, the digital services are the recommended route. HMRC will have enhanced capacity on the webchat service for Saturday across self-assessment, agent dedicated line, extra support, bereavement and online service helpdesk.  
 
The phone line will provide additional support for those needing to speak with someone. This will not be a full self-assessment helpline, but advisors can answer common queries and provide a call back service for more complicated queries.  

HMRC’s Extra Support Team will prioritise call backs for vulnerable customers.  

The Agent Dedicated Line will not be open on 31 January 2026 – this will close on Friday 30 January at 6pm and re-open on Monday 2 February at 8am. The webchat service for agents will be available on the day.  

If you still need to file a tax return for 2024/2025, then don’t delay until Saturday. Although HMRC has announced this additional support, it may still be very busy on the day. If you do need support on 31 January, then the webchat service may be the best route.  

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