Submitting your self-assessment tax-return doesn’t have to be hard – especially in the digital age. With the 31 January 2015 deadline just 6 weeks away, we thought we’d put together a fool-proof guide to submitting your online tax return, just in time for Christmas.

1.     Get an online account

HMRC requires you to set up an online account before you can submit your self-assessment tax return online. You can do this through HMRC’s online services.

The most important things to remember:

·         It can take 7 working days to set up your online account. This is because HMRC must post you the activation code before you can activate your account.

·         There is a 28 day deadline for you to activate your account.

·         In order to sign up for an account, you’ll need:

o   your postcode or national insurance number

o   your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number (this is given to you when you first registered for self-assessment).

2.     Use the free online service

HMRC’s online self-assessment service allows you to submit information about:

·         employment

·         self-employment

·         business partnerships

·         income earned from UK property

·         capital gains

·         income earned overseas.

Returns for non-resident companies and pension scheme trustees need to be sent by post. Partnership tax returns, and trust and estate tax returns can be sent by post or by specialist accounting software.

3.     Use commercial software

There are many accounting software products on the market that will allow you to submit most types of tax returns. Note that you still need to have an online account with HMRC before you use software to submit your return.

Speak to one of our advisers for advice on choosing the right accounting software.

Don’t miss the deadline

Leaving your self-assessment return until the last minute isn’t worth the risk. Contact us today on 01753 892 815 or email info@hmiller.co.uk to speak to an adviser.