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Ahead of the next deadline for filing online Self Assessment returns, HM Revenue & Customs’ Brian Redford gives you tips on how to get your clients’ returns right first time.

Introduction

Ensuring you have all your clients’ information ahead of time will help you file early for the January 31 deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns, and miss the last-minute rush.

File Early

Filing early will ensure your clients are not at risk of paying a penalty for late submission – if we receive their tax returns after the January 31 deadline, they will be charged an automatic £100 penalty.

The Self Assessment Online service is available 24 hours a day for you to log on and file your clients’ returns.

Use the Right Reference Number

Using the correct Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for each client will prevent delays in processing and avoid the need for any additional work for you and us.

If a client does not have a reference number, it may be because they have not yet registered for Self Assessment. They can do this on the HMRC website.

If you use the wrong UTR, your client could receive a penalty notice, as the return will not be captured against the right record. And if a client is going through insolvency proceedings, you need to use the UTR they were given after they became bankrupt.

Meet the Payment Deadline

January 31 is also the deadline for paying any tax owed, so you need to ensure your clients make their payments by this date.

The quickest and most secure way to pay is electronically. Payment can be made by Direct Debit, by Internet or telephone banking, or by debit or credit card over the Internet through the BillPay system. For more details, see How to Pay Self Assessment.

Use Toolkits to Reduce Errors in Returns

We have published a series of handy toolkits to help you reduce common errors in your clients’ returns before you submit them. There are 12 toolkits including Capital versus Revenue Expenditure, Private and Personal Expenditure and Capital Gains Tax for Land and Buildings.

The toolkits are available to download at Toolkits to Help Reduce Errors. 

Avoid Unsolicited Returns

Each year we receive a number of unsolicited Self Assessment tax returns for individuals who do not need to submit one. If your client has not received a ‘Notice to File’, they do not need to submit one.

Check for Service Updates

We recommend you regularly check our website for any issues that may be affecting the Self Assessment Online service. Visit Taxes and Filing for Agents and Advisers - Getting Started  and select ‘Service issues’ on the right hand side.

Use our Dedicated Helpline

You can now call one telephone number – 0845 366 7855 – for all queries on your clients’ Self Assessment tax returns.