Self Assessment customers urged to use online guidance as top five calls to HMRC helpline revealed

Currently, the most common reason for speaking to an HMRC advisor is about coming out of Self Assessment.

Self Assessment customers in Lanarkshire are urged to use online guidance as the top five calls to the helpline have been revealed.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding residents that they can self-serve to quickly access the information online.

Currently, the most common reason for speaking to an HMRC advisor is about coming out of Self Assessment.

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Customers don’t need to call HMRC and can instead visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return.

If they no longer need to send one, they can use the online service to tell HMRC without the need to speak to an advisor.

The five most common reasons for calling the helpline are: no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return; I need to register for Self Assessment; can you tell me if I still have to complete a tax return?’ what’s happening with my Self Assessment registration?; and what’s happening with my Self Assessment repayment?

More than 12 million taxpayers are due to complete Self Assessment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed by the January 31 deadline.

HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline and webchat services are available for those who need them but there is lots of help available online.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for Customer Services, said: “We want to help customers get their tax returns right first time, which is why we have produced a wealth of online resources and guidance to support them every step of the way.

“Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more and start your return today.”

Lanarkshire taxpayers may need to complete a tax return, even if they pay taxes through PAYE, for example, if they:

– Are self-employed and have earned gross income over £1000.

– Are self-employed and earned up to £1000 and wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits.

– Are a partner in a business partnership.

– Have had a total taxable income of more than £150,000.

– Have received any untaxed income including pension income over £2500.

– Have received income over £1000 from trading or providing services online.

– Have to pay the High Income Child Benefit charge.

– Have received interest from banks and building societies or investments (more than £10,000).

– Or have received rental or letting income from UK land and property.

HMRC is encouraging customers to be prepared and have all the information they need ready to file their tax returns early, so they can avoid any last-minute stress and know what they owe sooner.

The organisation has a range of online help and support and YouTube videos to assist anyone completing their return, including first-time filers.

Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers.

Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search “HMRC tax scams” on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam

Lanarkshire customers should never share their HMRC login information with anyone as someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

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