Self Assessment: online help is just a click or a swipe away

Currently, the most common reason for speaking to an HMRC advisor is about coming out of Self Assessment. 

Customers don’t need to call HMRC and can instead visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return. 

If they no longer need to send one, they can use the online service to tell HMRC without the need to speak to an advisor.

The 5 most common reasons for calling the helpline are:

I no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return

I need to register for Self Assessment

Can you tell me if I still have to complete a tax return?

What’s happening with my Self Assessment registration?

What’s happening with my Self Assessment repayment?

More than 12 million taxpayers are due to complete Self Assessment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2025 deadline. HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline and webchat services are available for those who need them but there is lots of help available online.

Said: Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services:

“We want to help customers get their tax returns right first time which is why we have produced a wealth of online resources and guidance to support them every step of the way. Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more and start your return today.”

Anyone who is new to Self Assessment needs to register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can send a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return, even if they pay taxes through PAYE, for example, if they:

are self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000

are self-employed and earned up to £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits

are a partner in a business partnership

had a total taxable income of more than £150,000

have received any untaxed income including pension income over £2,500

received income over £1,000 from trading or providing services online

have to pay the High Income Child Benefit charge

received interest from banks and building societies or investments (more than £10,000)

received rental or letting income from UK land and property

HMRC is encouraging customers to be prepared and have all the information they need ready to file their tax returns early, so they can avoid any last-minute stress and know what they owe sooner. HMRC has a range of online help and support and YouTube videos to assist anyone completing their return, including first-time filers.

Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search ‘HMRC tax scams’ on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam

Customers should never share their HMRC login information with anyone. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

HMRC points out benefits of early Self Assessment tax filing

Self Assessment customers can help themselves by filing their tax return early

Self Assessment customers could take advantage of four key benefits when filing their tax return early, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

The Self Assessment deadline for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024. Customers who file early will have more control over their financial affairs and beat the January rush.

The four benefits to filing early are:

Planning: find out what you owe for the 2022 to 2023 tax year as soon as you've filed, which allows for more accurate financial planning.

Budgeting: spread the cost of your tax bill with weekly or monthly payments using HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan.

Refund: Check if you’re due a refund in the HMRC app once you’ve filed.

Help: you can access a range of online guidance and information to help you file your return and get help if you're unable to pay your bill in full by the 31 January deadline. You may be able to set up a Time to Pay plan.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Customers who file their tax return early get to see exactly what they owe, so as a result they have more time to budget, thus reducing the stress around Self Assessment.

“Given that January is the busiest month for HMRC’s phone lines, I am strongly urging customers to check out the tips on filing their tax return early on GOV.UK and to consider doing so themselves.”

There is lots of help and support available online:

Customers can access the new online tool to check whether they need to do a Self Assessment tax return.

HMRC’s top tips for filing tax returns early can be found on GOV.UK.

Ask HMRC’s digital assistant to find information about Self Assessment. If they cannot help, chat live with an HMRC webchat adviser.

Access webinars and videos about Self Assessment.

However, HMRC customers should be very aware of the risks of falling victim to phishing scams so must never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including any tax agents, should they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

However, please be aware that The Self Assessment helpline is temporarily shut down and will be reopening on 4 September 2023. HMRC point out that about two-thirds of all calls can be resolved by customers themselves online on GOV.UK.

Customers can ask for help from HMRC’s digital assistant or chat with a webchat adviser.