HMRC warns UK households to act 'for peace of mind'
HMRC has urged UK households to act for "peace of mind". The taxman has issued a new message to millions of people as the next tax return deadline draws nearer, and it's urging people to act early to avoid a stressful run to the deadline.
HMRC explained: "Sending your tax return early gives you more time to plan and budget for payments ahead of the deadline of January 31, 2025. For peace of mind, help and support, join our live webinars during which you can ask questions using the on-screen text box."
"You do not have to wait until January to do your Self Assessment tax return – as soon as the tax year ends, you can submit your tax return at a time that suits you," HMRC added on its website. "In fact, almost 300,000 early birds filed their tax return in the first week of the tax year."
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Doing it early has benefits - givingpeace of mind and avoid the stress of doing it at the last-minute. You’ll know what you owe, so you can budget for the year and pay your tax bill in instalments if you need to – you can also get help if you find you can’t pay.
HMRC said: "You can find out sooner if you’re owed a refund – and you’ll get it sooner too. Filing early provides proof of income which you may need for a mortgage, loan or if you want to claim benefits. Our phone lines get busy in the run-up to the Self Assessment deadline in January, but you can use our online services to do what you need to do quickly and easily."
The easiest, quickest and most secure way to complete your tax return is online, using HMRC online services. More than 97% of customers submit their tax return online. If you decide not to file your tax return online, you can send a paper tax return.
The deadline for filing a 2023 to 2024 paper return is 31 October 2024. It said: "There are several ways you can ask for help with your tax return. You can appoint a relative, friend or an accredited accountant to complete and send your tax return to HMRC on your behalf.
"If you decide this is the best option for you, you will need to notify us."