Get your self assessment return in on time and online

With the 31st January self assessment filing deadline only weeks away, HMRC is urging people to file their returns online and on time.

Online filing is safe, secure and convenient and has a number of other benefits:

the tax calculation is automatic;
you get an immediate acknowledgement;
if you are owed money, you'll get a faster repayment;
customers can view their liabilities and payments in an online statement of account and receive reminders by secure email or text messages;
your return can be completed in stages, as it can be saved for up to 30 days; and
it's available day or night, so you can use it whenever it's convenient for you.

You can see for yourself how easy it is, by downloading HMRC's new 'Introduction to SA Online' video podcast from the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.

If you haven't filed your return yet, don't worry - there's still time. But if you want to take advantage of online filing and all its benefits, and haven't registered yet, you need to act quickly.

To register for online filing, visit hmrc.gov.uk, select 'Self Assessment' from the 'do it online' menu, and follow the instructions. Once this is completed, a pin number will be sent to you through the post. It may take up to 7 days for your pin number to arrive, so register as soon as you can.

If you need any help with your return, you should visit the self assessment pages on the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/sa where there is a mass of useful information. Or, if you prefer speaking to someone, then call the self assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week between 8.00am and 8.00pm.