1 week to go to file your self-assessment

The deadline for filing your self-assessment tax return for the 2023-24 tax year is fast approaching - there’s just one week to go!

But with 3.4m tax returns yet to be filed, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning that you could get a £100 penalty if you miss the 31 January deadline.

However, it stressed that help and support is available for those who haven’t yet started their return, including:

• live webinars
• video tutorials
• online help sheets

Be wary of possible scams, says HMRC

HMRC has also urged anyone planning to submit their tax return to be on the lookout for potential fraud.

“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,” it said.

HMRC has published a handy list of red flags that could suggest a phone call, email or text message is fraudulent, saying it could be a scam if it:

• rushes you
• is threatening
• is unexpected
• asks for personal information like bank details
• tells you to transfer money
• offers a refund, tax rebate or grant

Full HMRC guidance on scams is available on GOV.UK, including a list of genuine HMRC contacts to help you decide if the message you’ve received is real.

Reports of scam calls goes up ahead of Jan 31 deadline

Phonely’s Who Called Me? platform says it has seen the number of HMRC-related scam reports increase by 84% in January, when compared with December.

In many cases, fraudsters are targeting potential victims with threats of legal action and fines if money isn’t paid straight away.

Bryn Thompson, spokesperson for Phonely, said: “It’s disheartening to see scammers exploiting critical deadlines like the self-assessment period to intimidate individuals into compliance with fraudulent schemes. 

“Raising awareness is crucial in disrupting these criminals and protecting the public from financial loss.”

How can I report a potential scam?

If you believe you’ve been contacted by fraudsters:

• forward emails to [email protected]
• report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK 
• forward suspicious text messages to 60599