Individuals who need to submit a self-assessment tax return can choose whether to submit their tax returns by posting paper forms to HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”), or to file a return online. Individuals filing a paper return but wanting to calculate their own tax will need to request the tax calculation summary pages, as these will not automatically be supplied.
In general, HMRC no longer automatically send out paper tax returns. Instead, anyone who has filed a paper tax return in the past will receive a short notice to file – this will tell taxpayers that HMRC intends to communicate with them digitally. However, HMRC will still send out paper tax returns to people it has identified as being unable to file online.
If an individual opts for a paper tax return, they must send it to HMRC by 31 October every year – the filing deadline for the 2023-24 returns is 31 October 2024.
Individuals who complete paper tax returns must keep copies of their tax return, proof of postage and receipts for at least 22 months if they’re employed or a pensioner; five years and 10 months if they’re a landlord or self-employed.
If an individual misses the paper tax return deadline of 31 October they should not try to send the forms off late, or they will incur a £100 late filing penalty. Instead, the taxpayer can complete their return online using the unique taxpayer reference (UTR) number that HMRC gives them when registering for self-assessment. By filing online, taxpayers have until the later deadline of midnight on 31 January the following year to submit their return.
If you would like more information on any of the above information, please speak to our Tax Director, Jenny Marks.
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