Scots reminded of looming tax deadlines for HMRC self-assessment

Glasgow, Scotland – October 01, 2024:

Scottish households are being urged to check if they need to fill in a tax return ahead of two key October deadlines set by HMRC, to avoid the risk of incurring a fine.

Advice Direct Scotland is reminding people that they only have until October 5 to inform HMRC if they need to register for self-assessment for the 2023/24 tax year.

The national advice agency recently launched a free tax helpline and website, taxadvice.scot, which is backed by HMRC and is designed to help people understand their tax obligations.

Another key deadline falls at the end of the month, with anyone who wants to file a paper version of their tax return only having until midnight on October 31 to do so.

People who are unsure if they need to register for self-assessment can check on the HMRC website or call an adviser at taxadvice.scot on 0800 756 3381.

Registration can be completed easily online through HMRC, but anyone who fails to do this and submits their tax return late risks a fine.

There are a number of reasons that people might need to fill in a tax return, including if they are self-employed as a ‘sole trader’ and earned more than £1,000 during the tax year.

People with total taxable incomes of more than £150,000, those who had to pay Capital Gains Tax during 2023/24 and those who need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge also need to register for self-assessment.

Those who earned any untaxed income, such as money from renting out a property, tips and commissions, and income from savings, investments and dividends, may also have to declare it by filling in a tax return.

Scots struggling to understand their tax obligations or navigate their self-assessment forms can take advantage of Advice Direct Scotland’s new, free tax service.

It can be reached online or by calling 0800 756 3381, with specialist advisers ready to help both individuals and businesses with tax queries.

Staff can answer questions on a wide range of areas, from PAYE and National Insurance queries to advice on filling in self-assessment forms.

They can also offer guidance on tax related to pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and marriage allowance, as well as help with claiming child benefit and tax credits.

Customers can also receive support in claiming tax refunds and managing any tax-related debts.
Scottish businesses can also benefit from the service, with advice on VAT registration, corporation tax, and compliance issues. circumstances.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:

“It’s the time of year when people start turning their minds to their tax affairs, and the first step is establishing whether you need to register with HMRC to fill in a tax return.

“It’s important not to miss any of the key deadlines set by HMRC as if you do, you risk incurring a fine on top of any tax that you might owe from the 2023/24 tax year.
“The good news is that

help is at hand in the form of our new service, taxadvice.scot, which is there to help people in Scotland navigate the complexities of the UK tax system.

“Our advisers can help people struggling to fill in their self-assessment forms or who have any other queries about their tax obligations, completely free of charge.

“Anyone who is confused should know that calling HMRC isn’t their only option. You can visit taxadvice.scot or call us on 0800 756 3381.”

NOTES

You can access free, impartial advice on tax related matters by contacting taxadvice.scot at 0800 756 3381. Advice is available to everyone in Scotland, at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.