Time intervals for tax letters and tax invoices

sneedshelp · 21 March at 9:10AM

HMRC have written to say they will write again after 5 April to ask for completion of a self assessment tax return ( for the first ever time in my case ).

Does anyone know how soon after 5 April they will do that, and if I was to submit a paper tax return, how soon would they send me a tax invoice ?

Thanks.

Dazed_and_C0nfused · 21 March at 9:16AM

sneedshelp said:

HMRC have written to say they will write again after 5 April to ask for completion of a self assessment tax return ( for the first ever time in my case ).

Does anyone know how soon after 5 April they will do that, and if I was to submit a paper tax return, how soon would they send me a tax invoice ?

Thanks.

You will probably get a notice to file a return in April, shortly after 5 April.

Why do you want to file a paper return 🤔

TheSpectator · 21 March at 9:42AM

As this is your first Tax Return any tax won't be due until 31 January 2026. A paper Tax Return will be very low priority, with HMRC's only commitment is that they will do the calculation and advise you what to pay by 31 January 2026.

Far better to do it online.

sneedshelp · 21 March at 10:59AM

Thanks to you both.

So if I was to submit a tax return online, how soon would they send me a tax invoice ?

TheSpectator · 21 March at 11:11AM

sneedshelp said:

Thanks to you both.

So if I was to submit a tax return online, how soon would they send me a tax invoice ?

A calculation would be instant, depends what you mean by 'invoice'. It's not due till 31 Jan 2026.

Dazed_and_C0nfused · 21 March at 11:12AM

sneedshelp said:

Thanks to you both.

So if I was to submit a tax return online, how soon would they send me a tax invoice ?

HMRC don't send a "tax invoice".

Unless maybe you do some work for them 😉

When you file your Self Assessment return you will be able to view the tax calculation showing any income tax, national insurance, student loan, HICBC or CGT payable.

That will be payable by 31 January 2026 and if you're lucky HMRC will send you a statement showing the tax payable in December or early January.

But as this is Self Assessment the onus is on you to make sure you pay on time.

And don't forget depending on your situation you might have payments on account to pay for 2025-26 as well. These are payable on 31 January 2026 and 31 July 2026.