What happens after submitting a PAPER self assessment tax return to HMRC ?

sneedshelp

Had a telephone discussion with HMRC, who are sending me a paper tax return to fill in, because I do not have the required documents as evidence of identity to be able to submit it online.

If I understood her correctly, she said it was then my responsibility to ring them after October 31 to find out what is happening.

I asked her if they would send me a tax bill through the post, and she said they might not be able to do it in time because there will be millions, and she repeated about my responsibility to ring them.

Can anyone please advise ?

Thanks.

Nomunnofun1

The deadline is earlier to enable HMRC to have enough time to process the return before the January 31 payment deadline. 

The call handler that you spoke to wasn’t very helpful at all. 

‘Normally’ eight to ten weeks. 

You can, of course, complete much earlier and the form is able to download here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67dab05391e6e0492302840e/SA100-2025.pdf

sneedshelp

Thank you, are you saying that after sending it back to HMRC, I would then expect to receive an actual tax bill in ' ‘Normally’ eight to ten weeks ' ?

Hoenir

If you wish to ascertain what your tax liability is speak to an accountant. The HMRC are not responsible for the management of your personal tax affairs. 

probate_slave

OP, I saw how this all arose from your mother's legacy last year. Well done for making steady progress with HMRC.

I'm afraid "8 to 10 weeks" for the calculation is rather optimistic. HMRC told me (in mid-October last year) that they were taking an average of 17 weeks to process paper SA returns.

But if your main concern is how to fund a large tax bill next Jan 31st without enough warning, why not give details here of your 2024/25 income (pensions, savings interest etc) and allowances. The MSE's will be able to calculate it for you.

sheramber

I would think the reference to phoning after 31 October is that ,  if you have not heard anything from HMRC by 31 October, you should phone for an update  on the current position regarding processing paper returns.