HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging millions of people who need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2023/24 financial year that they can find the answers to most queries using the dedicated online portal at GOV.UK. More than 12 million taxpayers are due to complete an online Self Assessment by the January 31, 2025 deadline.
However, for those completing their tax return on paper, they need to have that submitted by October 31, 2024. HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline and webchat services are available for those who need them, but there is lots of help available online.
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 make a phone call.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “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.”
Five most common reasons for calling HMRC helpline
- 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?
It’s important for 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. This information can be found online here.
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 people 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
People filing a Self Assessment are also being warned to never share their HMRC login information with anyone as someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.