Self Assessment customers have just 100 days left to submit their tax return ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024.
And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at the click of a mouse – from webinars to step by step guides.
Anyone who needs support to complete their return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year can access the online help available on GOV.UK. It explains how to access HMRC’s services and ask for help, without having to call us.
Completing a tax return sooner means that customers can find out what they owe and can work out how to pay between now and the deadline.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:“My advice for anyone completing their Self Assessment is to get prepared and, if they need extra support, to access HMRC’s free online help and resources. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Customers can pay through the HMRC app. If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way for them to pay the tax they owe.
If customers owe less than £30,000, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC.
Customers need to 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.
Self Assessment customers are urged to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters.
This warning comes as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the 12 months to September 2023, of which 58,000 were offering fake tax rebates.
With around 12 million people expected to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year before the 31 January 2024 deadline, fraudsters will prey on customers by impersonating HMRC.
The scams take different approaches. Some offer a rebate; others tell customers that they need to update their tax details or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
“Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”
Customers can report any suspicious communications to HMRC:
forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599
HMRC works to protect the public from scammers. In the 12 months to September 2023, HMRC has responded to 60,000 reports of phone scams alone and got 25,000 malicious web pages taken down.
Customers do not need to wait until 31 January before filing their tax return, they can submit it before then but do not have to pay until the deadline, unless they choose to. Filing earlier allows them to find out what they owe sooner or if they are owed money, get their refund.
Help and support is available on GOV.UK to help customers complete their return, there is no need to call us. HMRC has a wide range of online resources to help customers file a tax return including a series of video tutorials on YouTube and help and support guidance on GOV.UK alongside HMRC digital assistant, HMRC app, community forums and the help and support email service.
Autumn is here and as the October school holidays have started, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families to give their childcare budget a treat this Halloween by opening a Tax-Free Childcare account.
Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs for school holiday clubs, breakfast or after school clubs, childminders or nurseries. It provides working families with up to £2,000 a year per child off their childcare bills for children up to the age of 11, or £4,000 a year up to the age of 16 if their child has a disability.
For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive a top up from the UK Government of £2. Using the tax-free top up, families can save up to £500 every 3 months for each child or £1,000 if their child is disabled.
Opening a Tax-Free Childcare account is quick and easy and can be done at any time of the year. Families who have not yet signed up should check their eligibility and apply online today.
It takes around 20 minutes to open an account and money can be deposited at any time. The money can be used straight away or left in the account and used whenever it is needed. Any unused money can be withdrawn at any time.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Families need plenty of childcare options when the weather turns cold and wet and days get shorter.
“We would urge parents to ensure they’re taking advantage of all opportunities available – whether it’s sending their child to wraparound school club or a holiday club during the half term break. Tax-Free Childcare provides financial help that fits your family – to support your childcare needs and save you money. Search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK to get started.”
It takes around 20 minutes to open an account and money can be deposited at any time. The money can be used straight away or left in the account and used whenever it is needed. Any unused money can be withdrawn at any time.
Almost 250,000 Self Assessment customers filed their 2022 to 2023 tax return during the first week of the tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
The number of customers choosing to file on the first day of the new tax year (6 April) has increased in recent years. Those opting to file in the first week of the new tax year has increased by nearly 100,000 customers since 2018.
The data, which examined numbers of customers who filed between 6 and 12 April, also revealed the most popular day to file a tax return during that week was 6 April and that Self Assessment customers enjoy a day of rest with the Sunday being the least popular day to file.
The increase in early bird filers means more customers are benefitting from filing their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year well ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024. Those who file early have more control over their financial affairs can take advantage of finding out what they owe and budget for it. If they are owed money, they can get their refund much sooner.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:“Our figures show more and more customers are benefitting from filing early which means they can relax knowing their tax return is complete, know what they owe and can budget.
“For those who haven’t yet thought about their tax return, go to GOV.UK, search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started.”
If customers need support to file a tax return, there is no need to ring as HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, as well as a webchat service.
Customers who have already filed their tax return can now take their time to plan to pay in the best way that suits them and their cash flow which may mean setting up a budget payment plan to manage their bill to pay before the deadline.
Customers who file early will also find out if they are owed money sooner and can go ahead and claim the refund once their tax return is submitted and processed. Customers can also check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app once they have filed their return.
HMRC has produced two videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.
It is important that customers let HMRC know of any changes to personal details or circumstances, such as a new address or name, or if they have stopped being self-employed or their business has closed. Don’t assume someone else will update HMRC, customers can make changes via GOV.UK.
Customers need to 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.
Filing figures for the first week of the tax year
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Filing date
17/18
18/19
19/20
20/21
21/22
22/23
6 April
36,939
*35,255
96,519
63,768
66,492
77,517
7 April
*18,145
*22,536
48,237
38,192
37,067
31,715
8 April
*15,201
32,602
39,674
30,971
28,645
*18,896
9 April
23,983
28,765
34,641
25,119
*18,989
*14,377
10 April
22,060
24,426
24,391
*19,561
*17,190
29,284
11 April
20,522
22,516
*15,904
*17,277
31,381
38,006
12 April
19,390
21,126
*11,550
28,023
28,973
36,415
Total
156,240
187,226
270,916
222,911
228,737
246,210
*Weekend
These figures do not include paper returns or amendments for previous years.
Scotland’s 29,000 taxi and private hire drivers need to complete HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) tax checks when renewing their operating licence, starting from today (2 October 2023).
The checks have been introduced to promote tax compliance within the industry and make it fairer for the vast majority of drivers who already pay their taxes correctly.
Councils will administer the process in Scotland, which involves making sure drivers have completed their tax check before their licence applications can be considered.
The checks will also be required for those in Scotland renewing their licence to operate a booking office or a scrap metal site, plus those who are metal dealers.
Marc Gill, Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance, HMRC, said:“While most taxi drivers in Scotland pay their taxes accurately and on time, we want to level the playing field and tackle the small minority who don’t.
“The hidden economy is estimated to cost the UK Government £2 billion in unpaid taxes, which deprives funds for the vital public services we all rely on.
“By linking tax compliance to licence renewal, the government hopes to discourage participation in the hidden economy and encourage drivers to fulfil their tax obligations.”
The checks were rolled out in England and Wales in April 2022, where more than 120,000 people have already successfully gone through the process.
When renewing their licence, drivers will need to use a Government Gateway account to complete the tax check on GOV.UK, which is quick, simple and straightforward.
After answering a few questions about their tax registration, HMRC will provide applicants with a tax check code. This code must be given to the local council before they can proceed with the licence renewal application.
Almost 430,000 18-21 year olds with an unclaimed Child Trust Fund, worth an average of £2,000, are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to claim their cash as part of UK Savings Week (18 to 24 September 2023).
Child Trust Funds are long-term, tax-free savings accounts and were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the UK Government contributing an initial deposit of at least £250. Funds can be withdrawn once the account matures when the child turns 18.
A recent student survey, conducted by UCAS, asked first and second year university students about Child Trust Funds and the results showed that they were most interested to know how much money was in their account (43%) and how to claim it (32%). The survey also revealed 60% of students got their information about Child Trust Funds from their parents.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said:“Many 18-21 year olds are starting out in first jobs or apprenticeships, starting university or moving into their first home and their Child Trust Fund is a pot of money with their name on.
“I would encourage young people to use the online tool to track it down or, for parents of teenagers, to speak to them to ensure they’re aware of their Child Trust Fund. It could make a real difference to their future plans.”
There are currently 5.3 million open Child Trust Fund accounts. Young people aged 16 or over can take control of their own Child Trust Fund, although the funds can only be withdrawn once they turn 18. More than 500,000 matured Child Trust Fund accounts have been claimed or transferred into an ISA since the oldest children on the scheme turned 18 in September 2020.
Families can continue to pay in up to £9,000 a year tax-free into a Child Trust Fund until the account matures. The money stays in the account until the child withdraws or reinvests it into another account.
The UCAS survey revealed that 74% of respondents were aware of Child Trust Funds.
Further findings include:
more men (75%) were aware of Child Trust Funds compared to 73% of women
78% of 19 year olds were aware of Child Trust funds compared to 71% of 20 to 21 years olds
of the people who had not yet claimed their Child Trust Fund, 76% of respondents were likely to take steps to learn more about how to withdraw it.
Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, said: “We would encourage all young people to investigate if they have money which is unclaimed in a Child Trust Fund and to use it wisely.
“A disproportionate amount of the money is unclaimed by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who are the very people who would benefit most from these funds. The investment could be placed into an adult ISA or put towards driving lessons, education or starting a business.
“The money in a Child Trust Fund has the potential to be life changing and the lack of knowledge about them shows the importance of financial education and financial planning from a young age”.
The UK Government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support you could be eligible for.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone who is new to Self Assessment for the 2022 to 2023 tax year that they have just two weeks until 5 October to tell HMRC and 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 that they have not already paid UK tax on, they need to register for Self Assessment.
Customers can use HMRC’s online checking tool on GOV.UK to quickly assess whether they will need to complete a tax return. And they can use 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 are new to Self Assessment and unsure how the process works – HMRC is here to help. 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 return.
“We want to help customers get their tax right first time, just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Customers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. They will then receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing 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 filed 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 that added reassurance that HMRC has 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 2 videos to help customers registering online for Self Assessment these are for those who are self-employed and those who are not 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 penalties or needing to complete a tax return. HMRC has produced 2 videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.
Customers need to 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.
Now the new school term has started, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families to open a Tax-Free Childcare account today to save up to £2,000 per child on their yearly childcare bills.
Families can use their Tax-Free Childcare account to pay for any approved childcare including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs, child minders and nurseries.
The scheme provides working families, with children up to the age of 11, or 16 if their child has a disability, up to £2,000 a year per child or £4,000 a year if their child is disabled. For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive the UK Government top up of £2. Families can save up to £500 every three months for each child or £1,000 if their child is disabled.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Arranging childcare can be costly for working families. Tax-Free Childcare offers financial help so families can save on the cost of childcare. Search Tax-Free Childcare on GOV.UK and sign up online today.”
Opening a Tax-Free Childcare account online is straightforward and can be done in about 20 minutes. Money can be deposited at any time, 365 days a year, to be used straight away or left in the account and used whenever it is needed. Unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Parents have until 31 August to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, if they wish to continue receiving Child Benefit.
Many teenagers who recently received their Nationals exam results will be considering their future and whether to stay on in education. Child Benefit payments stop on 31 August after a child turns 16, but parents can extend their claim if their child is continuing in approved education or training.
It is easy for parents to update their Child Benefit record. They can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child’s plans.
HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. The letter included a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim online. Any changes will be applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately.
Child Benefit will continue to be paid for children who are studying full time which can include:
Highers
International Baccalaureate
home education – if it started before their child turned 16 or after 16 if they have special needs
Child Benefit will also continue for children who are studying on an unpaid approved training course through the ‘No One Left Behind programme’.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:“Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don’t miss out if your teenager is still eligible.
“You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”
Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. They will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.
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.
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 too.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “It is important that taxpayers check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return so they can pay the right amount of tax owed and avoid penalties for not filing a return.
“It is quick and easy to check by using the interactive tool on GOV.UK – there is no need to ring us.”
Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return if they:
are newly self-employed and have earned more than £1,000
have multiple sources of income
have received any untaxed income, for example earning money for creating online content
earn more than £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 above £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 less than £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:
Taxpayers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. Once registered, they will receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their tax return.
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 need to 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.
