Registration call for Self Assessment newcomers

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a call to all Self Assessment newcomers preparing to send a tax return online for the first time – make sure you register for HMRC’s online services well in advance, so you have plenty of time to file your return.

The 31 October deadline for paper returns for the 2011-12 tax year (6 Apr 2011 – 5 Apr 2012) has now passed, so any outstanding returns must be sent online by 31 January 2013 – just a few weeks away.

It’s important to register for HMRC’s online service as early as possible, because it can take up to seven working days to complete the process, as an Activation Code has to be posted to you.

It’s easy to register – just visit  http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/signup and follow the instructions. You’ll immediately get a User ID and, once you’ve received the Activation Code in the post, you can activate your account. You can then complete your tax return online.

As well as your online tax return, any tax you owe for 2011-12 must also reach HMRC by 31 January 2013.

For help and advice on completing a return, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or call the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444.

Notes for editors

Around 10.6 million Self Assessment returns/notices to complete a tax return have been sent out by HMRC for the 2011-12 tax year.

The penalties for late Self Assessment returns are:

an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time;

after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900;

after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater; and

after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater.

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at: 30 days; 6 months; and 12 months.

Further information on deadlines, penalties and sending your online return is available from the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/deadline-news.htm