Self Assessment Online - Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Self Assessment Online allows most individuals to file their Tax Returns over the Internet. Agents and Tax Practitioners can also use Self Assessment Online for Agents to file clients' Tax Returns over the Internet.

You can only use Self Assessment Online to file a current year Tax Return.

Listed below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions from customers who have used the service.

Contents

Q. What Tax Return forms can I file online?

A. You can file Self Assessment Tax Returns (SA100, SA800 and SA900) and supplementary pages over the Internet:

You cannot use the service:

  • To file Estate, Non Resident, Companies or Self Administered Pension Schemes Returns
  • If you have already filed a Tax Return for the current tax year
  • To correct a Return already filed
  • To file a previous years Return.

Q. Do I need any software to be able to file online?

A. Yes. You can choose to use our free HMRC Online Tax Return for Self Assessment or internet filing enabled third party software. Details of software available are listed on the HMRC website.

Q. I am Welsh speaking, is there a software package I can use?

A. Yes. Details of Welsh language software.

Q. Who can use Self Assessment Online?

A. Self Assessment Online is available to:

  • Individuals who receive a Self Assessment Tax Return (SA100) or Notice to complete a Tax Return.
  • Partnerships who receive a Self Assessment Tax Return (SA800) or Notice to complete a Tax Return.
  • Trusts who receive a Self Assessment Tax Return (SA900) or Notice to complete a Tax Return.
  • Agents on behalf of their clients (who are individuals, Partnerships or Trusts).
  • Individuals, Agents or Trustees who wish to view their Self Assessment Statement of Account, Liabilities and Payments and choose to receive notifications and reminders by email or text message.

Q. What details do I need to register for the Self Assessment Online service?

A. Individual

To register as an Individual, you are required to enter your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, and either your National Insurance number or your postcode. You can now also select "living abroad".

You will find your UTR on your Tax Return, a Notice to complete a Tax Return or on your Statement of Account. It may also be on other documents. Alternatively, you can contact your local tax office.

Trusts and Partnerships

To register as either a Trust or Partnership, the Trustee or "nominated Partner" is required to enter the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number and postcode relevant to the Trust or Partnership.

Agent

To register as an Agent, you will be required to enter your Self Assessment Agent Reference and your postcode. (Please contact your local tax office if you do not have a Self Assessment Agent Reference.)

Q: Why should I file my Tax Return online?

A: We recommend that you use the Self Assessment Online service to file your Return over the Internet.

Filing your Tax Return online is secure, accurate and you will get immediate acknowledgement of receipt, plus you should receive a significantly faster repayment if you are owed money. To file your Tax Return online you can use either the HMRC’s Online Tax Return for Self Assessment software, or third party software, both of which checks completion of the Return as you fill it in. All software and online forms automatically calculate your tax.

You can also take advantage of a range of other services, including a view of your liabilities & payments or your latest statement.

Q. Can I view my Statement of Account online?

A. Yes. Once you have activated Self Assessment Online you will be able to view a maximum of 30 statements issued up to 3 years ago. To see your latest Statement of Account you select 'View account' and then 'View statement'. If you require information about statements issued prior to those on view, you will need to contact your own HMRC Office.

The 'View account' facility also includes details of all liabilities, payments and repayments. You can also see when we have received your Tax Return and when your next Tax Return is due.

Q. Will I be able to save or print out a copy of my Return from the HMRC Online Tax Return - Self Assessment software?

A. Yes. If you do not want to complete your Return in one session, the HMRC Online Tax Return - SA software will allow you to save a partially completed Return so that you can come back to it later. When you have completed your Return you will be asked if you wish to save and print a paper copy.

There are 2 options for printing,

  • HTML - a 'quick print', black and white version of the Return, which is faster to download/save and requires no special software
  • PDF - displayed in colour and in exactly the same format as the paper Return, but will take longer to download. You will require a PDF file viewer such as Acrobat Reader to save and/or print your Return. You can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader when using Self Assessment Online.

If you are using third party software please contact your software provider for details of saving or printing your Tax Return.

Q. How do I know my Tax Return has been received?

A. If you stay online after sending your return you should receive an online message indicating that your return has been successfully received. At busy times there may be a delay in receiving this online message. However if you have provided an email address the Government Gateway will send an email confirmation which will contain your Unique Taxpayer Reference for the tax return filed online. In addition if you are using HMRC free tax return software you will receive a further confirmation email.

Q. How do I notify you of my email address?

A. To update or add an email address to your details, login to HMRC Online Services, select 'Customer Services', then select 'Request us' and then 'change your contact details'.

Q. Will my data be secure?

A. Yes, HMRC has taken measures to ensure the online services are secure. We also constantly monitor the services for any potential security breaches. Security measures that we have implemented are:

Authentication: Access by User ID/Password (or Digital Certificate). The Government Gateway uses the postal address registered on HMRC systems to send you confirmation of your User ID and service Activation PIN. Enrolment expires if you do not activate your chosen service within 28 days.

Secure connection and encryption: All information that you send and receive is transmitted through a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer connection (SSL). SSL creates a secure link between your browser and our server. You will always know when you are using a secure connection because a padlock icon is displayed on the status bar of your browser. SSL also encrypts data and guarantees that it is not altered between your computer and our server.

In addition, HMRC is a responsible data user and is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act

Q. If I am having problems using the HMRC Online Tax Return for Self Assessment - what do I do?

A. If you need assistance and cannot find what you are looking for on our website, contact our Online Services Helpdesk

Q. Who do I contact if I need assistance?

A. If you need assistance and cannot find what you are looking for on our website, contact our Online Services Helpdesk

Q. What is an Activation PIN?

A. The Activation Personal Identity Number (PIN) is a twelve character security code which you use to activate your chosen online services.

Q. How do I activate my Online Services?

A. For each online service you have enrolled for, you will receive separate Activation PINs by post from the Government Gateway. They are sent to the address we hold for you within 7 days of registering for the online service. You must activate each service within 28 days of the date on the activation letter, or you will need to enrol again.

To activate go to HMRC Online Services login page. Login using your User ID and password. Then select the service(s) you have enrolled for. You will be prompted to enter your Activation PIN for each service.

Q. Why can't I activate the service?

A. This may be because:

  • You have entered an incorrect Activation PIN. Please enter the correct information from the Activation PIN letter.
  • More instructions on what to do can be found at the 'Lost/Expired Activation PIN' at HMRC Online Services login page.

If you require further assistance please contact the Online Services Helpdesk

Q. Can I use the service immediately after registration?

A. No, the Government Gateway will send you an Activation PIN by post to the address we hold on our system, within 7 days of registering for the Self Assessment Online service. You will need this PIN to activate the Self Assessment Online service.

  • If you are using third party software you can start completing your Tax Return before you receive your Activation PIN. But you will need to activate the service before filing your Tax Return over the Internet.
  • If you choose to use HMRC's Online Tax Return - SA then you need to wait for your Activation PIN before completing your Return.

Details of software available are listed on the HMRC website.

Q. I am an Agent, can I register and file my clients' Returns online?

A. Yes. Agents can register for Self Assessment Online to send Returns over the Internet on behalf of clients, provided the client has authorised the Agent to do so.

To register you will need your SA Agent Reference and Postcode. To obtain a SA Agent Reference number, please contact your local Tax Office.

Each of your clients must have authorised you to act on their behalf by completing a form 64-8 agent authority form and sending it to the address indicated on the form (or by completing an online authorisation on the Government Gateway).

Q. As an Agent, how does my client sign the Return and do I have to keep a paper copy?

A.We recognise that agents have their own processes and mechanisms for dealing with their client's Returns. Agents should make a copy of the Return and ask their client to approve it. As technology is rapidly evolving in this area we have not been prescriptive about the form of the copy return - it could be an electronic or paper copy: or in the form of the client's signature - it could be an electronic or 'wet' signature.

Q. As an Agent can I view my clients Statements?

A. Yes. Using the search facility you will be able to view your clients Statements by name or Unique Taxpayer Reference.

Q. As an Agent, can I set up other users in my organisation?

A. Yes. If you are an Agent, once you are registered you can:

  • Add other people within your organisation as 'Users' at the Government Gateway. You can assign them the same services that you have already registered for, and they can also register for new services. They will also be able to create and delete other Users.
  • Create 'Assistants' who will have limited access to certain features, but can send your organisation's forms to HMRC using appropriate software.
  • Complete tasks such as deleting Users, changing the services that Users are assigned to and making changes to your registration details.

Q. If I am having problems using third party software what do I do?

A. Please contact your software supplier for help. HMRC can only support their own Online Tax Return - SA software product.

Q. What is the Government Gateway?

A. The Government Gateway provides an online central registration service for many of the different government services.

Q. Can I complete a short version Tax Return online?

A. No. The Short Tax Return is a product that has been specifically designed to simplify the process of completing a paper Self Assessment Tax Return, so it is not available online. However, HMRC's Online Tax Return for Self Assessment product will guide you to only the sections of the full Tax Return that are relevant to you as you fill it in and does the calculations for you.

We recommend that you use our Self Assessment Online service to file your Return over the Internet. Visit Why should I send my Tax Return online for some of the benefits highlighted.

Q. What is a Unique Taxpayer Reference number and where can I find it?

A. This is the unique reference given to you by HMRC. It has ten digits (eg 9876556789) and you will find it on your Tax Return, a Notice to complete a Tax Return or on your Statement of Account. It may also be on other documents, but not a notice of coding.

If you don't know or are unsure of your UTR please contact your local tax office for further assistance.

Q. What characters can I enter on my online Tax Return and attachment?

A. The following characters can be entered on the online Tax Return and attachments:

  • A to Z (upper case)
  • a to z (lower case)
  • 0 to 9 (numeric)
  • space & ‘ ( ) * , - . / @ £

Please note that the dollar ($), hash (#) and underscore (_) characters are not allowable in either the free text fields of a return, or in the title of any attachment file sent with a return.

No other characters will be accepted and any SA Tax Return submitted electronically which contains any invalid characters will be rejected.