What do I need to do my tax return online?
Feature
by Nathalie Bonney
Below is a handy checklist of what you need to gather together in order to fill out your return, as well as a reminder of the penalties you face for missing the deadline. What more incentive do you need?
Tax return checklist
To register:
- Unique taxpayer reference (10-digit tax reference found on HM Revenue & Customs paperwork)
- National insurance number or postcode
- Activation code. This will be posted to you and must be input afterwards to complete registration.
To fill in the self-assessment:
- User ID. You will receive this after registering
- Note of online password
- Copies or a record of all invoices of self-employed work
- Receipts of any expenses you want to offset (such as transport or office costs)
- Pension contributions
- Details of any charity gifts
- Note of any other sources of income (savings accounts and buy-to-let property)
- Interest certificates from savings accounts (not including tax-free products such as ISAs)
- P60. This applies to those in employment who do additional self-employed work
Penalties
- £100 if you’re one day late (up to three months)
- After three months you’re charged £10 for each day late (capped at £900).
- After six months you will have to pay 5% extra on tax owed, or £300, whichever is greater
