Thinking of filing online? See how it's done with HMRC's video podcast

People thinking of filing their Self Assessment (SA) tax returns online this year can now watch a video podcast to show them how it's done.

The short film, which can be downloaded onto an iPod or viewed online, shows the main features of the SA online system, and shows how much easier it is to file online than on paper. It is the first time a Government Department has used a video podcast to give practical guidance on how to use its services.

Viewers are taken through the registration process and given a taste of what it is like to file online, as a voiceover talks them through the main features of the system and gives useful tips, like what sort of information they need to have to hand.

HMRC Head of Self Assessment Paddy Linford said: "Filing online is safe, secure and easy, and last year around a third of SA tax returns were filed online. We want this figure to be higher. We hope that showing people how easy it is to use our online services will persuade more of them to make the switch from paper filing. And they can also pay their tax online."

The video podcast is the latest in a series of award-winning podcasts produced by HMRC, but the first one that uses video.

The deadline for filing SA tax returns, and paying any tax due, is 31 January.

The podcast can be downloaded from HMRC's podcast page on its website at hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts or on iTunes.