HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) recently released figures in respect of the 2014 tax returns, highlighting such statistics as:
The final figure is quite eye catching. Each will be issued with a late filing penalty of £100 (which will rise further if the return continues to be unfiled, see here).
Most of the time, a tax return is issued for a specific reason, such as the taxpayer being self employed. It used to be the case that, if HMRC issued a tax return, it had to be completed, even if it was nil. However, HMRC have become a bit more accommodating over the last couple of years. If you’ve been issued with a tax return and one is not required, you can ask for it to be cancelled.
To give an example; if you have a buy to let property, then you must complete a tax return. If that property is then sold, then you will no longer have property income and should not have to complete a tax return. However, HMRC may still issue returns. If that is the case, then you can tell HMRC that there's no reason for you to complete a tax return.
However, our advice as always is: if you’ve received a tax return, deal with it sooner rather than later. It’s a lot less hassle and causes less anxiety getting the return cancelled before the deadline date rather than waiting for a late filing penalty to land on your doormat.
The 2014 tax returns were issued a couple of weeks ago. If you've received one, it's probably not the top of your priority list, but it cannot be completely ignored either. Here are our top 5 tips for getting your return dealt with.
1. Know the dates
The 2014 return was issued on 6 April 2014. If you are filing a paper return, then it has to be filed by 31 October 2014. If you are filing online, then you have until 31 January 2015. The only exception is if you have been issued a return during the year and it is less than 3 months to the deadlines, in which case the deadline extends to 3 months after the issue date. For instance, if you are issued a return on 31 December 2014, then you will have until 31 March 2015.
2. Get it dealt with sooner rather than later
As with quite a lot of things in life, we tend to put off things which don't interest us too much. However, even though you've got a long time to sort your return out, it's surprising how quickly the year will disappear. You probably won't want to deal with it during the summer, or in the run up to Christmas, and then you've got no choice but to deal with it in January (or face a late filing penalty). Do it now! It will be one less thing you have to worry about. There are also a lot of other good reasons for dealing with it sooner rather than later.
3. Get all your stuff together
It obviously makes sense that you can't deal with your return until you've got all your books and records together. Which means:
4. Know when you need to pay tax
Tax for the 2014 tax year is usually due by 31 January 2015. However, if your tax bills are usually over £1,000, then you will probably have to make payments on account, in which case tax will also be due by 31 July 2014. If you have a tax bill and also have tax deducted at source through PAYE, then you could elect to have your tax deducted through your tax code.
If you are self employed, it is always a good idea to make sure you make provisions for paying your tax bills. You may even want to consider paying them early!
5. Is a tax return due?
Just because you've received a tax return, it doesn't automatically mean that a return is due. The vast majority are issued for people who are self employed or who have complicated tax affairs. However, if you used to be self employed and stopped, and are still receiving tax returns, you may wish to speak to HMRC to clarify why they are issuing returns. HMRC are more receptive to cancelling tax returns where there is no legitimate reason for one being issued.
