HMRC help, please

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

I owe HMRC £500 that has to be paid tomorrow, they’ve sent me letters regarding it, all of which were in my purse when it was stolen in December.

I need a particular number that will be on the letters but I obviously don’t have it.

I can’t get through to a human, I’m stuck in auto telephone 7th circle of hell

My government gateway ID isn’t recognised online

What can I do?!

Have you got your UTR on any other paperwork at all anywhere or an email? Or can you go through one of the other verification processes such as the Post Office or Experian?

I am sure you have tried everything but they're all I can think of from completing my returns.

What number are you using?
0300 200 3402 is the self assessment payment helpline. They should be able to access your record using your national insurance number, and take payment by debit card over the phone.

Dead no I can’t find it anywhere! Argh!

Yes that’s the number I’m using, it just kept sending me through a labyrinth of voice recognition and questions then would cut off! Clearly I’ve gone through the wrong selection!

Thank you both, I’m stressed at having to find the money for it so think I just stressed myself out more, time to put a sensible head on!!

Try the Verify route into your tax records - I don’t think you need the UTR, and it doesn’t take long.

Hey OP - not sure if this will help you, but I always call from overseas (what with living overseas) and use a different number – 95% of the time I get through to a human in seconds.... Try +44 135 535 9022.

How are you doing OP?

The overseas number is unlikely to still be staffed by a dedicated team, it'll route into the queue like other number. It might work, but they might tell you off when they realise you're phoning from the UK.

You could also try 0300 200 3822, for those having trouble paying on time.

At this time of night the lines will be closing. Set up your personal tax account from gov.uk using verify. It'll let you see the letters they've sent, and get your numbers.

2h 17m and 9(!) advisors later and it finally got sorted!

What a palaver!

Thanks for all your help!

Pleased it's done!