When do you know when your SA tax form has been accepted?

Anon

May be a simple question, but when do you know that the tax office has accepted your figures for the year 2004/5 that I submitted in January? I received a "Statement of Account" the other week - with a slight change on the amount due - does that mean it has been checked and accepted?

Also, why is it that for the past three years, I have completed Self Assessment using the IRs online submission (on their site), it has worked out the calculations, it has told me how much to pay, I have paid in plenty of time ... yet when the statement of account comes through, it says I still owe a few pence? (I had included lasts years 2p underpayment in the figures this year).

Many thanks

Anon

StratApproach

Based on what my accountant worked out and sent off to the tax people last year I paid the amount including the 50% on account on the 25 of Jan. (As the accountant told me do whether I had a reminder or not).

Last week I received the statement of the tax people saying I owe no more - Took more time than I thought for the confirmation - but was pleased all them same when the paper came through (even though my account did all the figures).

Have you thought about calling them?

Best wishes

StratApproach.

Mikeyorks

Anon wrote:

May be a simple question, but when do you know that the tax office has accepted your figures for the year 2004/5 that I submitted in January? I received a "Statement of Account" the other week - with a slight change on the amount due - does that mean it has been checked and accepted?
Anon

No. It probably means, simply, there was a small arithmetic error on the submission and which the HMRC system corrected when they data captured the Return. Outside of an investigation - I don't think they ever say 'that is it'. SA is literally that 'self assessment' so your figures are taken (subject to the basic arithmetic) as read - unless they decide, on the risk analysis they do, to do some verification. It's why the system was launched as 'file now - check later' within HMRC. And its why some people (eg putting net income in the gross column) - have received a significant refund - only to have it clawed back later. As the discrepancy triggered the 'risk check' and subsequent investigation revealed the error.

Can't help on the 2nd para. Sounds like a small interest charge coming back into play. But should show on the difficult to comprehend Statement?

nlpnlp

For the year ended 5 April 2005 you had until 31 January 2006 to submit your completed tax return. If you got it in on time then the Revenue will process yoru return when submitted and correct any basic arithmetical errors. Thereafter they have until 31 January 2007 to Enquire into your return. Thereafter they can only reopen your return if there has been a 'deliberate' omisssion or mistake. This could include not giving sufficent information as to valuations or estimates used in the return.

As to why you are a few pennies out, the Revenue often round to £s rather than use pence. They should round income down and tax up, so in theory you should always be in the best position.

They also calculate interest on a daily basis so if you pay any tax due a day late then interest will be added.

myrnahaz

I filed my SA return online (at 3.30pm on 31st January!!) and got an immediate response as to whether the figures were correct and confirmation of its acceptance. They sent a 'notice of coding' to say that my tax code had changed (for the better) so I was very pleased. I'd certainly recommend filing online to anyone.