How to Call HMRC from Abroad (No Roaming)

If you’re outside the UK and need to contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) — for non‑resident Income Tax questions, Capital Gains Tax, Self Assessment issues, or to follow up on a letter — calling from a roaming SIM can be expensive, and you may spend a lot of time in a queue.

This guide explains how to call HMRC from abroad using Callshake, what information to prepare so the call is productive, and which official online contact routes to use when you don’t need a live call.

How to call HMRC from abroad with Callshake

1. Create an account at Callshake.com.
2. Add call credit (pay-as-you-go).
3. Dial the HMRC number below.

Why Callshake is the best solution

• No roaming charges from your carrier: you’re not using your mobile operator’s international calling.
• No active roaming / local SIM / eSIM required: Callshake works over an internet connection.
• Pay-as-you-go: pay only for the minutes you use.
• Caller ID control: you can often call without a roaming-enabled SIM; you can also verify a number to present caller ID.

HMRC phone numbers (for people outside the UK)

When calling HMRC is worth it (vs using online forms)

Calling is most useful when you need clarification in real time or you’re blocked from progressing online.

Call HMRC if:

• you need to clarify what HMRC is asking for in a letter
• you’re not sure which tax year or reference the issue relates to
• you need to confirm whether HMRC has received something (and you have a reference number)
• your online account doesn’t show the information you need

Use official online contact routes if:

• you can describe the issue clearly in writing
• you need to attach details or prefer a written record
• you expect the response won’t be immediate (many enquiries aren’t resolved in one call)

Why calling HMRC from abroad can be difficult

• Long hold times: queues can be lengthy (costly on roaming).
• Time zone mismatch: many services follow UK business hours.
• Security verification: HMRC will often ask identity questions before discussing your case.

If you can’t stay on hold, use the GOV.UK contact routes below and include as much detail as possible.

What to prepare before calling HMRC

Having the right identifiers ready usually determines whether the call can be resolved:

• National Insurance number (if applicable)
• UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) for Self Assessment (if you have one)
• Your full name and date of birth
• UK address history (current and previous, if requested)
• The tax year(s) you’re calling about
• Any HMRC letter reference numbers (often printed on the top right of a letter)

Questions HMRC commonly asks

Expect to be asked some of the following (varies by topic):

• “What’s your National Insurance number / UTR?”
• “What address do you have on file?”
• “Which tax year are you calling about?”
• “Do you have the reference number from the letter?”

If you don’t have these, HMRC may be unable to discuss details beyond general guidance.

Verified official contact options

• HMRC contact hub: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
• Non‑UK residents Income Tax & Capital Gains page: https://www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/non-uk-residents-income-tax-and-capital-gains-enquiries

Those pages also link to official online forms, which are often the best fallback when you can’t get through by phone.

Alternative ways to contact HMRC

• Use the official GOV.UK forms linked above (especially if you need to provide details in writing).
• Use your HMRC online account where applicable.
• If you’re following up on a letter, use the reference number and the contact route for that specific topic.

Common reasons people contact HMRC from abroad

• Confirming UK tax residency status
• Updating details while living abroad
• Asking how overseas income interacts with UK allowances
• Capital Gains Tax questions (including UK property)
• Self Assessment support while overseas

Disclaimer

Phone numbers, opening hours, and routing can change. For the most current contact options and opening times, always check the official GOV.UK pages linked above.