HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new online guide offering tax filing support to self-employed and freelance workers in a bid to encourage freelancers to submit their Self Assessment tax return early.
According to figures recently released by HMRC, more than 63,500 people filed their 2020/21 tax return online on 6th April 2021, the first day of the new financial year.
The tax authority has revealed that this is a growing trend, with the number of customers filing on the first day now almost three times higher than the 22,885 total in 2017.
To boost numbers further, HMRC has published detailed information on how to file early, the benefits of early tax filing and what customers need to get started with their online tax return.
Commenting on the guidance, Myrtle Lloyd, Director General for Customer Services at HMRC, revealed that one of the main benefits of early filing is the faster refund time for those who have overpaid.
He said: “There are many advantages to completing your Self Assessment tax return sooner rather than later, not least that if you’re due a tax refund you’ll get the money within a few days.”
Other information featured in the guidance includes how to declare furlough and SEISS grants or other COVID-19 support measures, and what to do if you have paid too much tax.
While HMRC is encouraging customers to file as early as possible, the deadline for Self Assessment is 31 January 2022 and all tax returns must be filed by this date.
