Understanding and using Self Assessment Online
If you are sending HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) a Self Assessment tax return, you can do it online using the secure service HMRC provides. There are many advantages to filing or sending your tax return online instead of by paper, including automatic calculations, faster processing and later deadlines.
Advantages of sending your tax return online
There are lots of advantages to sending your tax return online:
- it's safe and secure - your account is encrypted, and protected by your chosen password and a unique User ID
- it's convenient and can be used at any time
- you get an instant acknowledgment as soon as HMRC receives your tax return
- your tax is worked out automatically as you complete the form, so you know what you owe or are owed right away
- HMRC can process online tax returns faster than paper returns and repay any money you are owed more quickly
- the deadline for online returns is later than for paper returns
- you can complete part of your tax return, save it and do the rest later, working at your own pace to meet the deadline
- you can tailor your return, completing the right pagesd for your circumstances
- you can store your completed return online and print out a copy for your records
- at any time you can view a statement of what you have paid, and what owe or are owed
- you can view or amend your contact details and use a secure email channel to ask HMRC a question
- you can pay by Direct Debit - this is safe and secure, and makes it less likely you'll miss a payment deadline
- Tax return deadlines and penalties - find out more
- Direct Debit payment - more information from HMRC
Deciding which way to send your return online
You can use the free HMRC Self Assessment service or commercial software to send most tax returns online.
Some types of tax return aren't covered by the free HMRC Self Assessment service, but you can buy commercial software to send them online. These include:
- Trust and Estate Tax Return
- the Partnership Return
- some supplementary pages, for example those for non-residents
You can find out more by following the link below.
There is currently no free HMRC Self Assessment service or commercial software for sending the following returns, so you will need to send them on paper:
- SA700 - Non-resident Company Tax Return
- SA970 - Trustees of Registered Pension Schemes
You'll need to register to use HMRC Online Services before you can send your tax return online for the first time. You must do this whether you use the free HMRC service or commercial software. See the section below for more information about using HMRC Online Services for the first time.
Using HMRC Online Services for the first time
First you'll need to set yourself up as a user of Online Services. This is a two-stage process where you:
- 'register' for online government services and at the same time ‘enrol’ (sign up) for at least one service – such as Self Assessment Online
- activate your account using a code, known as the Activation Code
The activation Code is sent to your home address by the Government Gateway (the central registration service for online government services). It usually arrives within seven working days
Why do you need to wait for an Activation Code?
This is an added security measure to make sure that only you can activate your account.
Information needed to register online
Make sure you have the following information to hand:
- your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
- either your postcode or National Insurance number (unless you live abroad)
You'll find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) on correspondence from HMRC. If you can't find it, you can contact the Self Assessment Helpline and ask for it to be sent to your home address. HMRC can't tell you your UTR over the phone.
If you haven’t completed a tax return before (or it's been a while since you did), you may not have a UTR. You'll need to register for Self Assessment before you can get one.
How to register online
Follow the link at the end of this section and:
- Select 'Register' in the 'New User' section
- Choose the type of account you need - individual (personal or self employed), organisation (partnerships) or agent (if you're acting for a client)
- Select 'Self Assessment' as the service you wish to use
- Follow the on-screen instructions (this will include reading and accepting the Terms and Conditions, and creating a password of your choice)
- You'll be shown your unique User ID on-screen
Once you've completed this registration process, your Activation Code will be sent to you separately by post. Allow up to seven working days for it to arrive.
Activating your account
Once you have both your User ID and Activation Code, you'll need to log in using your User ID and chosen password.
From here, follow the instructions to activate Self Assessment Online. You must do this within 28 days. After this time your Activation Code will no longer be valid. Once you've activated the service you can destroy the Activation Code.
If you've already registered for an HMRC online service
If you have previously used Self Assessment Online
If you have already registered for HMRC Online Services and enrolled for Self Assessment Online, use the link below to log in.
If you have previously used VAT Online
If you are already registered for HMRC Online Services and enrolled for VAT Online for sole traders, you don't need to register again. Simply log in using your existing User ID and password then follow the on-screen instructions to add Self Assessment.
You'll receive an Activation Code in the post within seven working days. You must activate the service within 28 days.
If you’ve lost your User ID or password
If you can't find your ID or your password and you’re already registered for HMRC Online Services, go to the online services login page (see link below), and follow the 'lost user id' or 'lost password' link under the heading 'existing users'.
For security purposes you'll need to answer a number of questions before a replacement User ID or password is issued. Your ID or password will be sent to you by email, if you've provided a current email address, or by first class post.
If you have lost both your User ID and password please call the Online Services Helpdesk (you'll find the number in the 'Online Services Helpdesk' section below).
Self Assessment Online service issues
For information on service availability and any technical issues with Self Assessment Online follow the link below to the 'Service availability’ page. You’ll find the latest Self Assessment service availability details and a link to the service issues page. This explains any current service issues and how they're being dealt with.
Online Services Helpdesk
If you have problems registering or enrolling for Self Assessment Online you can contact the HMRC dedicated Online Services Helpdesk.
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