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 says: It’s time to register for Self Assessment

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone new to Self Assessment for 2022 to 2023 tax year that they have only two weeks until 5 October to tell HMRC and to register.

New Self Assessment customers could be someone who has set up a side hustle to earn money in addition to their PAYE job or disposed of cryptoassets; they may be newly self-employed or a new landlord renting out property. Whatever the circumstances, if a customer has any income they've not already paid UK tax on, then they must register for Self Assessment.

Customers can use HMRC’s online checking tool on GOV.UK to quickly assess whether they would need to complete a tax return. And they can then employ the step-by-step guide to check what they need to do to file their first Self Assessment tax return.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “If you're new to Self Assessment and unsure how the process works, please do remember, HMRC is here to help you. 

"We have a wealth of resources and guidance available on GOV.UK to help customers register, sign up to the online services and complete their tax returns. We want to help our customers get their tax right first time. So just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to learn more.”

Customers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. They'll then receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they'll require when they complete their return.

The deadline for customers to file their tax return online and pay any tax owed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024. And last year, 96% of customers were able to file their return online.

Filing online means customers don’t have to complete it all at once, they can save their progress and finish it later and have the added reassurance HMRC's received their form when they press submit.

HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers file a tax return including a series of video tutorials on YouTube and help and support guidance on GOV.UK. 

HMRC has produced two videos to help customers registering online for Self Assessment. These videos are for those who are self-employed and those who aren't self-employed.

If customers think they no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid any potential penalties or needing to complete a tax return. 

HMRC has produced two videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who aren't self-employed.

Customers must also be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, should they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

You might be considering employing your accountant or an advisor to help you with your self-assessment tax returns. If so, please do be careful. 

These resources will be of potential assistance to you:-

https://taxaid.org.uk/guides/taxpayers/choosing-an-accountant-or-tax-adviser

https://www.natptax.com/Pages/default.aspx

Do you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return this year?

If someone has had a change in circumstances, then they might need to complete their first ever Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding people.

UK Taxpayers can use the quick and easy free online checking tool on GOV.UK and register with HMRC by 5 October if they do need to self-assess. Taxpayers can also use it if they think they may not need to complete one this year, also.

Myrtle Lloyd, who is HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “It's really important taxpayers check if they should complete a Self Assessment tax return so they can pay the right amount of tax owed and avoid penalties for not filing a return, if required. It's quick and easy to check by using the interactive tool on GOV.UK - there is no need to ring us.”

Taxpayers might need to complete a tax return if they:

Are newly self-employed and have earned over £1,000

Have multiple income sources

Have received any untaxed income, for example earning money for creating online content

Earn over £100,000 a year

Earn income from property that they own and rent out

Are a new partner in a business partnership

Are claiming Child Benefit and they or their partner have an income of over £50,000

Receive interest from banks and building societies (more than £10,000)

Receive dividends in excess of £10,000

Need to pay Capital Gains Tax

Are self-employed and earn under £1,000 but wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits

The online checking tool can also be used by those who may no longer need to do Self Assessment, including if they:

Gave up work or retired

Are no longer self-employed

Earn below the minimum income thresholds

If taxpayers no longer think they need complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid any penalties.

Taxpayers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. Once registered, they'll receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their tax returns.

HMRC has wide range of resources to help taxpayers file a tax return including a series of video tutorials on YouTube and a new step by step guide, for anyone that is filing for the first time.

Taxpayers must be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

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.