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.