Self Assessment: Seven easy steps to completing your Tax Return

The following information has been reproduced from the Inland Revenue site and provides an easy step-by-step guide to completing and sending in your self assessment tax return each year.

1.	Get all your tax records together, such as bank and building society statements, business earnings, expenses, or accounts where appropriate. If you are an employee, you will probably get a P60 and you may also get a copy of form P11D from your employer if you received taxable expenses or benefits. If you have changed jobs during the tax year, you should also have a P45 Part 1A.

2.	If you have received a paper Tax Return read pages 1 & 2 first. Decide if you are going to file your Tax Return over the Internet. You can register & enrol for our Self-Assessment Online service here.

3.	Decide if you are going to send back your return by 30 September, 30 December or 31 January. 30 September after the end of the tax year – Paper Returns Your return must reach us by 30 September if you want us to include any underpayment of less than £2000 in you PAYE code number We will calculate your tax and let you know the amount payable by the 31 January payment date if we receive your return by this date. If we receive your return after this date and you haven't worked out your tax we will do it for you but can't guarantee to tell you what to pay by 31 January. Remember: If you file your Tax Return online all software and online forms will calculate your tax liability for you. 30 December after the end of the tax year – Online Return If you file your Tax Return online by 30 December, (or 29 December if using ELS) and you owe less than £2000 we may be able to collect it through your PAYE tax code number. Remember: If you file your Tax Return online all software and online forms will calculate your tax liability for you. 31 January after the end of the tax year – Paper and Online Return You must file your Self Assessment Tax Return and pay anything that you owe by 31 January. If your return is not received by this date, you will be liable to an automatic penalty of £100, which will accrue interest on any amount due by 31 if received late. Note: The deadline dates for Partnership Returns may be different - please see the information under ‘keydates’ on the Partnership section of the individuals & employees pages.

4.	If you are going to send in a paper return check that you have all the pages you need by completing page two. If you need extra pages: call the Self Assessment Orderline on 0845 9000 404. It is open 8am - 10pm, seven days a week and calls are charged at local rates. alternatively, you can fax your order to the SA Orderline on 0845 9000 604 or order online at the SA Orderline. If you are calling from abroad the SA Orderline telephone number is: 44 870 1555664 or fax: 44 870 1555778 download the relevant forms from here

5.	Complete the Tax Return by following the guidance notes in the Tax Return and Tax Return Guide. Make sure you understand them and are sure of the figures you want to enter before starting the return. Note: You will not receive the Tax Return Guide (PDF 3.8 meg.) if you usually file your return online, or if your agent/tax adviser usually files your return.

6.	If you need help, contact: the Self Assessment team at your Inland Revenue Office (the telephone number is at the top of your return). Or when the office is closed, call the Self Assessment Helpline on 0845 9000 444. It's open evenings and weekends and calls are charged at local rates. (If you are calling from abroad the telephone number is: 44 541 555445).

7.	Check your Tax Return once you've finished, make sure you haven't forgotten anything and attach all your supplementary pages. If it is a paper return make sure you sign it and attach all relevant forms, such as CIS25 (Construction Industry Scheme vouchers). Finally, make sure you get it back to us so that we receive it by either 30 September, 30 December or 31 January deadlines. Remember the earlier you complete your Tax Return, the more time you'll have to get help from us if you need it. sending in your Tax Return earlier doesn't mean you have to pay tax any earlier.

©Crown Copyrigh
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Sign Up! - Make sure you sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter for the latest tax news and advice for small companies. Posted October 24, 2005

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