HMRC Offices in the UK – Locations, Contact Details & What to Do If You Owe HMRC

When directors search for HMRC offices, it is usually because a tax or compliance issue needs urgent attention.

Missed deadlines, growing arrears, or formal warning letters often mean a business must speak with HMRC to clarify payments or respond to enforcement action.

HMRC’s regional centres are located in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Nottingham, Portsmouth, and Stratford (London).

This guide explains where HMRC offices are located across the UK, how HMRC handles tax debt, and what company directors can do when they cannot afford to pay what is owed.

As licensed insolvency practitioners, we regularly help companies under pressure from HMRC.

Whether your business is behind on VAT, PAYE, or Corporation Tax, early advice can prevent enforcement, reduce penalties, and keep the company trading.

Why Do Most Directors Contact HMRC Offices in the First Place?

Most directors contact HMRC offices because tax arrears, missed deadlines, or compliance warnings require immediate attention.

Common triggers include overdue VAT, unpaid PAYE, or warnings about penalties and interest.

These issues create pressure and uncertainty, prompting directors to seek clarification, negotiate payment plans, or prevent escalation toward enforcement or legal action.

What Should You Do If Your Company Cannot Pay HMRC?

If your company cannot pay HMRC, you should communicate early and assess realistic repayment options.

HMRC expects directors to take responsible action, whether that means agreeing a Time To Pay arrangement or exploring formal restructuring.

If the business cannot meet liabilities, speaking with a licensed insolvency practitioner helps you understand solutions such as a company voluntary arrangement, administration, or creditors’ voluntary liquidation.

Early intervention improves outcomes and reduces enforcement risk.

How Does HMRC Handle Tax Arrears and Missed Payments?

HMRC handles tax arrears and missed payments through a structured escalation process that becomes more serious over time.

Initial reminders turn into penalties, interest charges, and compliance checks.
If payment is still not made, the debt can be escalated to enforcement officers.

Continued non-payment may lead to legal proceedings or insolvency action against the company.

When Does HMRC Start Enforcement and What Are the Consequences?

HMRC starts enforcement when arrears remain unpaid despite multiple attempts to contact the business. Enforcement often begins quickly if the company ignores correspondence.

Consequences can include enforcement notices, asset control, statutory demands, and winding-up petitions. Failure to respond usually results in compulsory liquidation.

What Is an HMRC Enforcement Notice?

An HMRC enforcement notice is a formal warning that the tax authority intends to recover unpaid tax through direct action.

An HMRC Enforcement notice explains the debt, deadlines, and consequences if the company does not comply. Ignoring the notice can lead to an enforcement officer visit.

Can HMRC Seize Business Assets?

HMRC can seize business assets when tax remains unpaid after deadlines.

Enforcement officers may secure goods under a Controlled Goods Agreement, allowing them to remove and sell assets if the debt is not cleared. This can disrupt operations and damage business continuity.

When Will HMRC Issue a Statutory Demand or Winding-Up Petition?

HMRC issues a statutory demand when arrears exceed the legal threshold and prior attempts to collect the debt have failed.

If the company does not respond within the required timeframe, HMRC may file a winding-up petition, which normally leads to compulsory liquidation unless immediate action is taken.

Does Visiting or Contacting HMRC Change How They Treat Tax Arrears?

Visiting or contacting HMRC changes how they treat tax arrears because proactive communication demonstrates a willingness to resolve the issue.

Directors who engage early may secure extended deadlines or payment plans.
Those who ignore correspondence face faster escalation, penalties, and the risk of enforcement.

Can an Insolvency Practitioner Negotiate With HMRC on Your Behalf?

An insolvency practitioner can negotiate with HMRC on your behalf to improve repayment terms or prevent enforcement.

They understand HMRC’s decision-making process and can present realistic proposals.

Professionals can request time to pay, stop enforcement, or restructure company debts through formal insolvency procedures.

How Should Directors Prepare Before Speaking With HMRC?

Directors should prepare before speaking with HMRC by gathering financial records, outstanding balances, cash flow forecasts, and the reasons for missed payments.

Being prepared helps secure a fair repayment plan and prevents the business from agreeing to unrealistic commitments.

Where Are HMRC Offices Located Across the UK?

HMRC offices are located across the UK in major cities and regional centres.

These offices support tax administration, compliance, and appointment-only services.

Although many smaller offices have closed, the remaining hubs still handle key correspondence and in-person visits.

How Many Regional Centres Are There?

There are several large regional centres responsible for tax administration across broad geographic areas. These hubs manage most business-related enquiries and compliance activity.

What Specialist Sites Still Operate?

A small number of specialist sites continue to support complex tax matters, inheritance tax, investigations, and transitional administrative work.

How Do You Find Your Local HMRC Office Details?

You can find your local HMRC office details by checking any letters or notices received, as they often include departmental contact information.

Most in-person enquiries have moved to appointment-only systems, and online services are now the primary way to access support.

What Are the Postal Addresses for Key HMRC Departments?

The postal addresses for key HMRC departments are centralised through specific BX9 postcodes to ensure efficient sorting. Key services include corporation tax, national insurance contributions, PAYE, self-assessment, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and VAT.

The postal address for Corporation Tax Services is HM Revenue and Customs BX9 1AX. You can use this address to send your documents.

The National Insurance Contributions and Employers Office can be contacted at the address BX9 1AN. All further queries can be directed to this address.

The postal address for PAYE, Self-Assessment, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax is BX9 1AS.

This is the address to be used for all postal payments or forms regarding these taxes.

Can You Visit an HMRC Office in Person and How Do Appointments Work?

You can visit an HMRC office in person, but appointments must be arranged in advance. Offices do not accept walk-in enquiries.

After submitting an online request, HMRC will confirm an appointment date and time, or arrange an outreach visit if necessary.

What Phone Numbers and Online Contact Options Does HMRC Offer?

HMRC offers dedicated phone numbers and online services for business tax, personal tax, arrears, compliance queries, and registration.

HMRC’s online system provides faster access to payments, forms, and account management.

What HMRC Office Locations Are There Across the UK?

HMRC offices are located across major UK cities and regional centres, and these are the official locations that handle appointments, tax enquiries, and compliance activity.

Below is a list of HMRC’s main regional centres that people typically search for when looking for their local HMRC office:

• Belfast: Erskine House
• Birmingham: 3 Arena Central
• Bristol: 3 Glass Wharf
• Cardiff: Central Square
• Edinburgh: 1 Sibbald Walk
• Glasgow: 1 Atlantic Square
• Leeds: 7 and 8 Wellington Place
• Liverpool: India Buildings, Water St, Liverpool L2 8TZ
• London (Croydon): 1 Ruskin Square
• London (Stratford): 14 Westfield Avenue
• Manchester: 3 New Bailey
• Newcastle Upon Tyne: Benton Park View (moving to Pilgrims Quarter in 2027)
• Nottingham: Unity Square
• Portsmouth: Lynx House (moving to No. 1 The Goodsyard in late 2027)
• Dover
• Gartcosh: Scottish Crime Campus
• Ipswich
• Swansea
• Telford
• Worthing: Teville Gate House
• Bradford
• East Kilbride: Queensway House
• Manchester: Trinity Bridge House
• Porthmadog
• Preston (to 2025)
• Reading: Sapphire Plaza
• Washington: Waterview Park
• Headquarters:
• London: 100 Parliament Street, Westminster