Who to ask
Where to get help with a tax loss
We can’t advise on your own situation. These are the places that can — HMRC itself, free help from tax charities if your income is low, and professional bodies whose members are qualified tax advisers.
HMRC
For questions about your own returns, payments and records. HMRC can’t tell you which claims would save you the most.
-
Self Assessment: general enquiries
HMRC’s contact page for Self Assessment returns, payments and notices — including signing up for or using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (software problems go to your software provider).
Contact details -
Capital Gains Tax: enquiries
HMRC’s contact page for general Capital Gains Tax enquiries. HMRC says you’ll need your Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference.
Contact details -
Corporation Tax: general enquiries
For limited companies — HMRC’s contact page for general Corporation Tax enquiries.
Contact details -
Extra support from HMRC
If you find it difficult to deal with HMRC yourself — GOV.UK explains how to get extra support or have someone talk to HMRC for you.
Read on GOV.UK -
All HMRC contacts
GOV.UK’s finder for every HMRC helpline and address.
Find a contact
Free help from charities
If you can’t afford a professional adviser.
-
TaxAid
A charity whose helpline gives free, expert support to people who can’t access professional tax advice. Its website says that in most cases it can only help people earning under £30,500, and that it can’t help with Corporation Tax.
TaxAid helpline -
Tax Help for Older People — now part of TaxAid
Its website says it merged with TaxAid in July 2025 and that its own site will no longer be updated — contact TaxAid instead.
Read the notice -
LITRG (Low Incomes Tax Reform Group)
Free guides on the tax system for people on low incomes, including pages on trading losses and capital losses. LITRG says it can’t give individual advice.
Visit LITRG -
Citizens Advice
GOV.UK’s guidance on choosing a tax agent lists Citizens Advice among the places you can get help.
Visit Citizens Advice
Find a qualified adviser
GOV.UK warns that anyone can call themselves a tax agent, and HMRC doesn’t regulate them. These professional bodies keep directories of their members.
-
Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
The ATT’s online directory of Taxation Technicians — members are qualified by examination.
Find an ATT member -
Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
The CIOT’s directory of Chartered Tax Advisers.
Find a Chartered Tax Adviser -
ICAEW
The official directory of ICAEW Chartered Accountants and firms.
Find a chartered accountant -
ACCA
ACCA’s search for its members and accountancy firms.
Find an accountant -
How to choose a tax agent
GOV.UK’s checklist before you appoint someone — and how to authorise them to deal with HMRC.
Read on GOV.UK
Software and services
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax needs compatible software. Inclusion here is not a recommendation — check that any product does what you need.
-
Choosing software for Making Tax Digital
GOV.UK’s guidance on what Making Tax Digital software needs to do, and how to choose it.
Read on GOV.UK