Registering for a tax return

laurel7172

I registered online for a tax return (I'm doing some private tutoring on top of a PAYE salary) about three weeks ago.

So far I have received nothing, not even an email acknowledgment, from HMRC.

Is this normal or has something got lost in the system and do I need to apply again?

Thank you

PlutoinCapricorn

If you mean registering as a sole trader, you should soon get a letter with your UTR i.e. reference number. I got a welcome pack too, but that was some years ago. You will also get a form for Direct Debits for the Class 2 NI, and an exemption claim form to use if you expect low earnings.

I think that HMRC take longer to process things these days. Give it a few more weeks.

chrismac1

Anything between 3 weeks and 12 or 13 weeks. After 13 weeks I suggest calling them on the self-assessment helpline number, but only if this is in itself after 1 Feb 2012 unless you want to wait about 12 minutes just for them to either pick up the phone or cut you off - because we now enter the "Silly season" when all the last minute Charlies surface to beat the 31 Jan 2012 deadline. I advise my clients to steer clear of the SA system in January unless their query is urgent.

PlutoinCapricorn

Evening Chrismac!

Yes, this is the time of year when people start to flood HMRC with their online returns for the year ending 5th April 2011. There may be postal delays too.

Laurel, when you do get your UTR, it is a good idea to register for online filing: you will get a PIN in the post. Some people leave it to the last minute, which is not a good idea.

antonic

Its also the time when those who have already registered for online filing "forget" they never used their activation code within the 30 days of it being issued to them and so need to ring the SA Helpline to get a fresh one,

As well as those who have suddenly realised they NEED to be registered try to register, despite having had since the 6th April previously to register.