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HMRC is urging Self Assessment taxpayers to look out for scams taking the form of texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters impersonating the UK tax authority.
In the 12 months to 2023, HMRC received over 130,000 reports about tax scams, including 58,000 claiming to offer tax rebates. HMRC has responded to 60,000 reports of phone scams alone and got 25,000 malicious web pages taken down.
With around 12 million people expected to need to file a Self Assessment tax return by 31st January 2024, this group make a significant target for scams offering rebates, threatening arrest for tax evasion if a payment is not made, or requested updated tax details.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, warned:
“HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
“Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.“
The deadlines for tax returns for 2022 to 2023 tax year are 31 October 2023 for paper returns and 31 January 2024 for online returns. Customers do not need to wait until 31 January before filing their tax return, they can submit it before then but do not have to pay until the deadline, unless they choose to.
If customers think they no longer 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.