Alternative self assessment tax return software

malcolmfowler

I decided to complete our own tax returns this year (used an accountant last time). I'm now two hours in and have not started.

We both have a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) numbers and both have Government gateway ID's.

I started with my wife. Logged in on the HMRC web portal and selected Self Assessment. Then I was told that I needed to get a new self assessment activation code and this would be sent in 10 days!

Next I logged in for myself and the got an error trying to register for my new self assessment activation code. Spoke to the help desk and after 1/2 hour they think I have another Government Gateway ID that I should be use and will send me the details in 7 - 10 days. Then I can request activation for Self Assessment.
Ahhhh. Why is the HMRC site so bureaucratic when I'm trying to pay my tax.

So, my question to the forum...

I have printed out this years paper SA100-2018 and will complete a paper return, but I just wondered if anyone knew of any non-government software out there to fill in and complete a self assessment tax return?

Thanks

00ec25

if you are competent to calculate the tax itself then you do not need commercial software to populate 2 tax returns, the software cost would hardly be Money Saving Expert

however, if money is no object, pick from the list:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-assessment-commercial-software-suppliers/self-assessment-online-commercial-software-suppliers

also bear in mind there are reasons UK accountants use stuff that is not on that list, a) it is better and b) it integrates better with accounts production software etc.
In other words, horses for courses....

polymaff

Dodgy logic! If you file a paper return there'll be a heck of a delay before you get a result - way more than the 10 day delay you mention. Be patient. Once you are in to SA you should find it pretty easy to use - and you get a result immediately.