Online tax returns

Deal-Hunter_2

Does anybody have a step by step guide somewhere to filing a self assessment tax return online? I'm guessing it's quite easy once I get into it but I can never find a place where I finally fill in an online form!

John_Pierpoint

Deal-Hunter wrote: »

Does anybody have a step by step guide somewhere to filing a self assessment tax return online? I'm guessing it's quite easy once I get into it but I can never find a place where I finally fill in an online form!

Its on-line you keep trying until you get it "right". You answer the questions and the system will give you a copy of the form to print out what you said - it can do better arithmetic quicker than I can.;)

I would recommend putting in round numbers starting with your job(?) and work your way quickly all the way through.
If it likes what you have done then pad it out with other sources of income. Finally put in the spot on accurate numbers.
You can save your efforts so far - while you go to sleep or write off to someone for missing/lost information. Take your time to do it once and get it right.
If you have a specific query come back her and ask.
When you and the system are happy that you have got it right, only then submit it.
The only other decision will be: Do you want the balance added to your notice of coding or pay it by plastic?

System

You have to register for self-assessment first - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/online/index.htm

When you register you will create a password and be issued with a User ID which you can print off. The user ID will also be sent to you by post in the form of a card about the size of a credit card. You will also be sent an Activation PIN in the post. It is sent out rather like the pin number your bank would send you where you peel back a piece of paper to reveal it.

When you have your password, User ID and Activation Pin you are all set to do the return online. Initially you will tailor your return to your specific circumstances by answering questions such as

did you have employment during the tax year and if so how many different employers did you have. If you say yes and 2 then it will create 2 employment pages for you to complete.
If you say yes when asked if you had income from UK property it will create a land and property page for you to complete also.....

Sometimes people filing online for the first time find it easier to complete a paper return first of all and when it is completed to their satisfaction they then transfer all the information online. The advantage to filing online is that you get a calculation immediately and any refund paid much much quicker, providing you put your bank account details online.

BTW some of the larger HMRC enquiry centres offer "Do it online" appointments where they have PC's available for public use and they will sit with you and help you file online. You need to have registered first though and have the password, User ID and Activation Pin.