HMRC has recently reminded taxpayers that they have less than 100 days (65 days from the time of writing) to file their self-assessment tax returns. In the following article, Bhanot & Co Chartered Accountants from Ealing, London, advise on what taxpayers can do to prepare for the self-assessment process.
The annual rush countdown for self-assessment tax returns is now underway after HMRC’s reminder of the January 31, 2023, deadline to file online. Filing early comes with a number of benefits including the budgeting payments and receiving repayments sooner.
The countdown
Self-assessment taxpayers have until January 31, 2023, to submit their online return for the 2021-22 tax year. This means there are now under 100 days (65 days as of November 27, 2022) until the deadline for self-assessment online returns.
According to HMRC, more than 66,000 taxpayers beat the clock and filed their tax return on April 6 – the first day of the new tax year.
HMRC is now encouraging others to complete their return as soon as they can, so they know what they owe and can budget to make the payment by January 31, 2023. This also means that if a repayment is due, it can be claimed back sooner.
The self-assessment cycle
Under the self-assessment regime, an individual is responsible for ensuring that their tax liability is calculated, and any outstanding tax is paid on time.
Tax returns are issued shortly after the end of the fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from April 6 to the following April 5. Tax returns are issued to all those of whom HMRC are aware that need a return, including all those who are self-employed or company directors.
Those individuals who complete returns online are sent a notice advising them that a tax return is due. If a taxpayer is not issued with a tax return but has tax due, they should notify HMRC who may then issue a return.
A taxpayer has normally been required to file his tax return by January 31, following the end of the fiscal year. The return must be filed by October 31, if submitted in 'paper' format. Returns submitted after this date must be filed online otherwise penalties apply.
Penalties for late filing
For those that fail to file their returns on time there is an automatic £100 penalty (even if there is no tax to pay or the tax due has already been paid).
The full penalty of £100 will always be due if your return is filed late even if there is no tax outstanding. Generally, if filing by ‘paper’ the deadline is October 31 and if filing online the deadline is January 31.
Additional penalties can be charged as follows:
- Over three months late – a £10 daily penalty up to a maximum of £900
- Over six months late – an additional £300 or five per cent of the tax due if higher
- Over 12 months late – a further £300 or a further five per cent of the tax due if higher. In particularly serious cases there is a penalty of up to 100 per cent of the tax due.
Calculating your tax liability
The taxpayer does have the option to ask HMRC to compute their tax liability in advance of the tax being due in which case the return must be completed and filed by October 31 following the fiscal year.
Whether you or HMRC calculate the tax liability, there will be only one assessment covering all your tax liabilities for the tax year.
Changes to the tax return
HMRC may correct a self-assessment within nine months of the return being filed in order to correct any obvious errors or mistakes in the return.
An individual may, by notice to HMRC, amend their self-assessment at any time within 12 months of the filing date.
Enquiries
HMRC may enquire into any return by giving written notice. In most cases the time limit for HMRC is within 12 months following the filing date.
The main purpose of an enquiry is to identify any errors on, or omissions from, a tax return which result in an understatement of tax due. Please note however that the opening of an enquiry does not mean that a return is incorrect.
If there is an enquiry, we will also receive a letter from HMRC if we do your accounting for you. The letter will detail the information regarded as necessary by them to check the return. If such an eventuality arises, we will contact you to discuss the contents of the letter.
Keeping records
HMRC wants to ensure that underlying records to the return exist if they decide to enquire into the return.
Records are required of income, expenditure and reliefs claimed. For most types of income this means keeping the documentation given to the taxpayer by the person making the payment. If expenses are claimed records are required to support the claim.
How Bhanot & Co can help
At Bhanot & Co, we can prepare your tax return on your behalf and advise on the appropriate tax payments to make.
If there is an enquiry into your tax return, we will assist you in answering any queries HMRC may have. Please do contact us for help here.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
