Dealing with your Tax Returns online

by Startacus Admin

Yes, the deadline for sending your paper Self-Assessment tax return has now passed (31st October) but don’t worry you can still file your tax return online. Steve Girling from itab gives Startacus the lowdown...

The deadline for sending your tax return online is 31st January by midnight. Sending your tax return online can be quite straight forward and the advantages are that at least your figures are calculated automatically and you’ll know straight away what you owe or if you’re lucky what HMRC owes you.

How do I send it online?

The first thing you will need to do is sign up for HMRC services, you will need your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number and either your postcode or National Insurance number at the ready then you can do this by visiting: https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration/

Once signed up you’re then ready to use the HMRC Self-Assessment service, which is completely free. It can take HMRC up to 7 days to send you your activation code, so don’t leave it until the last minute.

I’m planning on filing the return myself but what tips could you give me?

The main tip we would give anybody filing their return is to be prepared. Yes, its sounds straight forward but it would take an awful lot more of your time if you don’t have the relevant information. A rough list of what you could need:

P60
P11d
Self-employed accounts
Information on any other income, such as investments, pension, savings, property.

Make sure you then complete all of the relevant pages then when you are happy either print off a copy or save a copy on your computer. You don’t have to send HMRC any of your paperwork although you must keep your back up paperwork in case HMRC do ask. 

itab specialises in providing low cost, simple and straight forward accounting services to individuals, sole traders and small limited companies.
For further information you can contact itab on 07585 499552, [email protected], www.itab.org.uk or follow us on twitter @itabSteve

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For information on Real Time Information - and the new rules on administering PAYE and payroll if you employ staff - check out our article on Real Time Information - what is it?

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Published on: 4th November 2012