We’ll help you find the right HMRC trust and estates contact number quickly, without sending you through the wrong queue.
When you are acting for a deceased person’s estate or managing a trust, clear guidance matters. We explain which helpline is most relevant. The main lines to try are the Trusts and Deceased Estates Helpline and the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline. Both use 0300 123 1072 (international: +44 300 123 1072).
Call preparation saves time. We set expectations about what can be resolved on the phone and what needs paperwork or online forms. That keeps your call focused and effective.
We flag common scenarios where the trusts and deceased estates route is right, and where you should instead use Self Assessment, Capital Gains, or online services. If VAT or other tax issues arise, we’ll note when you may be passed to a specialist service.
For quick next steps, see our practical guide at inheritance tax planning in Hambrook. Our aim is calm, step‑by‑step clarity so you can sort family admin with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Both main helplines use 0300 123 1072 (or +44 300 123 1072).
- We tell you which helpline to call for a trust or a deceased estate.
- Prepare documents before calling to keep the call short.
- Some issues move to Self Assessment, Capital Gains or online services.
- VAT and other tax topics may need a specialist service.
HMRC trust and estates contact number for trustees and personal representatives
Personal representatives and trustees often need a single, reliable helpline to start the process. We list the lines most used and explain when to call so you reach the right team faster.
Trusts and Deceased Estates Helpline: 0300 123 1072
0300 123 1072 is the main point for queries about estate administration, estate returns and what paperwork is required.
Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline: 0300 123 1072
The probate route uses the same contact. This keeps calls simple — one helpline covers both probate and inheritance tax queries.
Calling from abroad: +44 300 123 1072
If you’re dealing with cross‑border affairs, use +44 300 123 1072 so international callers won’t be left guessing.
When to use this helpline for administration and returns
Ring this service for questions about an estate’s income tax position, capital gains events while administering assets, and which tax returns are due.
- What counts as an estate return and which years matter.
- How to describe your query so the adviser routes you correctly.
- Which forms or paperwork you’ll likely need.
“Have the estate reference, dates of death and key figures ready — this saves time.”
For wider planning or detailed inheritance tax advice see our inheritance tax guidance. We aim to make the call productive so you can move forward with confidence.
Choosing the right HMRC helpline for your tax, return or payment query
Matching your query to the correct service cuts delays and avoids repeated calls. We list the main 0300 200 routes so you can pick the right one fast.
Self‑Assessment Helpline: 0300 200 3310
Use this line for help with tax returns, filing deadlines and general self queries. For callers from abroad use +44 161 931 9070.
Online Services Helpdesk: 0300 200 3600
If you can’t sign in, get submission errors or see missing returns online, this is the right service. International callers use +44 161 930 8445.
Capital Gains and non‑resident income queries: 0300 200 3300
For capital gains questions — and for non‑resident income tax or CGT matters — ring this line. An overseas option is +44 135 535 9022.
Child Benefit Helpline: 0300 200 3100
Executors sometimes discover wider household issues. If child benefit matters arise, this is the route. International callers use +44 161 210 3086.
“Have your reference, tax years and relevant forms to hand; that avoids repeat calls.”
- Return queries: call Self‑Assessment.
- Sign‑in or submission problems: use Online Services Helpdesk.
- Capital gains or non‑resident issues: call the CGT line.
- Payments or allocation problems: confirm via the find contacts page at find HMRC contacts.
For agent guidance on registering or acting for a family, see our practical notes at registering as an agent. That preps you for the questions each service will ask.
What to prepare before you contact HMRC about trusts, estates, probate or inheritance tax
Before you pick up the phone, gather a short pack of facts so the call is quick and clear.
Key details to have ready: reference, years, returns and payments
Write down the estate or trust reference and the date of death. Those items let advisers pull the right record fast.
List the tax years involved, which returns you have filed and any payments made. Have forms and bank receipts to hand. A one‑line summary of your query helps route the call.
Typical topics trustees raise: income, capital gains, IHT and timelines
Common questions cover income receipts, capital gains calculations and inheritance tax timings. If the estate contains a business, note VAT or corporation tax details so you can escalate to the right services.
- Note the sums, tax years and reference numbers.
- Keep copies of returns and relevant forms open.
- Log each call: date, time, number called and outcome.
| What to bring | Why it helps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reference & date of death | Locate the record quickly | Estate ref: 123/AB, 01/03/2024 |
| Tax years & returns | Confirm what HMRC can see | 2019–20 return filed |
| Payment receipts | Resolve payment or repayment queries | Online payment ID or bank slip |
“A short checklist and a single sentence question make calls far more productive.”
For bereavement queries use the dedicated bereavement and deceased estate enquiries page. For issues about setting up a trust see our guide on setting up a trust.
Conclusion
Here’s a short recap to help you make the next call with confidence.
For most executors the fastest route is the Trusts and Deceased Estates / Probate and Inheritance Tax helpline on 0300 123. If you’re abroad use +44 300 123.
Match your query to the right helpline first. That saves precious time and stops you repeating details mid‑call.
Have references, dates, key sums and a one‑line summary ready. Good records are the quiet wins in estate management.
If the issue is about another area of tax — including VAT — switching to the correct helpline is often the quickest fix. Take it one step at a time; having the right route is a solid first step and a real benefit for families.