HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a reminder to anyone in Wales filing a Self Assessment tax return – don’t forget to submit it online and on time, or you could risk a £100 penalty.

Nine million people across the country have to file a tax return – including around 384,000 in Wales.

If you haven’t yet filed your 2007/08 tax return, you must send it online to HMRC by the 31 January deadline – file on paper and you could receive a £100 penalty, as the new 31 October paper-filing deadline has now passed.

If you’re new to online filing, you’ll need to register by visiting the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa and clicking “Register for Self Assessment Online”. A pin number will then be posted to you – it can take up to seven days to arrive, so make sure you register by 21 January, to allow enough time for the pin to arrive and for you to file your return online.

And don’t forget, 31 January is also the deadline for paying any tax you owe for the 2007/08 tax year.

HMRC’s Stephen Banyard said:

“Don’t forget – if you are filing your return in January, you need to do it online. It is quick, secure and convenient, and if you have not filed online before there is plenty of help and support available.”

Where to get help

A Self Assessment video podcast, offering help and advice on filling in your tax return, is available free from the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts. Further help is available on the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

A number of local HMRC Enquiry Centres also offer internet access for people who want to file their Self Assessment return online, including Cardiff and Swansea. To make an appointment, contact the Self Assessment helpline.

Look out for new tax codes

In January and February, HMRC will be writing to individuals with their new tax codes for the 2009/10 tax year. You only need to take action if you think your tax code is incorrect – first check the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-codes.htm and if that doesn’t provide an answer, contact the HMRC office quoted in the letter.

Originally posted 2009-01-07 09:51:10.