HMRC invites taxpayers to use online checking tool to find out they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return

HMRC is reminding people who have had a change in their circumstances to check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022-23 tax year.

Taxpayers can use the free online checking tool on the government website to ensure they register with HMRC by 5th October for Self Assessment. Taxpayers can also use it if they think they may not need to complete a Self Assessment tax return this year too.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

“It is important that taxpayers check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return so they can pay the right amount of tax owed and avoid penalties for not filing a return. It is quick and easy to check by using the interactive tool on GOV.UK – there is no need to ring us.“

Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return if they:

• are newly self-employed and have earned more than £1,000
• have multiple sources of income
• have received any untaxed income, for example earning money for creating online content
• earn more than £100,000 a year
• earn income from property that they own and rent out
• are a new partner in a business partnership
• are claiming Child Benefit and they or their partner have an income above £50,000
• receive interest from banks and building societies (more than £10,000)
• receive dividends in excess of £10,000
• need to pay Capital Gains Tax
• are self-employed and earn less than £1,000 but wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits

The online checking tool can also be used by those who may no longer need to do Self Assessment, including if they:

• gave up work or retired
• are no longer self-employed
• earn below the minimum income thresholds

If taxpayers no longer think they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid any penalties.

HMRC has wide range of resources to help taxpayers file a tax return including a series of video tutorials on YouTube and a new step by step guide. for anyone that is filing for the first time.