HMRC warns against Self Assessment scams

Self Assessment taxpayers are being urged to be wary of scammers looking to steal money or personal information by posing as HMRC.

Last year, more than 570,000 instances of scams were reported to HMRC, particularly shortly after the 31st January Self Assessment deadline, with those taxpayers most at risk of falling victim.

The UK tax authority is warning people to be wary of scam texts, emails or calls either offering a tax rebate or demanding unpaid tax, purporting to be official HMRC communications referring to Self Assessment tax returns.  In the 12 months to January 2022, nearly 220,000 scams reported to HMRC offered bogus tax rebates.

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

If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

Never let yourself be rushed, and if you’re in any doubt then check our ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK.

HMRC gave customers an extra month to submit a completed tax return and if customers filed by 28 February 2022, they would avoid a late filing penalty. More than 11.3 million customers filed their Self Assessment tax return by 28 February, with more than one million of those taking advantage of the extra time by filing in February.

Customers have until 1 April to pay their outstanding tax bill or set up a Time to Pay arrangement to avoid receiving a late payment penalty. Interest has been applied to all outstanding balances since 1 February.