HMRC warning as less than 100 days until crucial deadline

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a 100-day warning for self-employed people. It highlighted this week that customers only have until January 31, 2025, to file and pay their Self Assessment tax return.

It added that more than 3.5 million have already submitted their returns and have thus avoided any last-minute panic and lowered the risk of submitting an inaccurate return. Despite this, more than 12 million people still need to file their return for the 2023/24 tax year and pay whatever tax they owe by the deadline. Customers who are unsure of whether they need to file a tax return are being urged to head to gov.uk here.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The countdown to the Self Assessment deadline has begun but there is still time to thoroughly prepare and file an accurate tax return by 31 January. You can access online help and support to help you file. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

Anyone new to Self Assessment must register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can submit a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. Those who no longer need to file a tax return should inform HMRC promptly to avoid penalties.

The information on GOV. UK will help them determine if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.

HMRC is also warning that criminals use emails, phone calls, and texts to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing personal or financial details, people should search 'HMRC tax scams' on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them identify if the contact they have received is a scam.

People should never share their HMRC login information with anyone, as it could be used to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.