Self Assessment scam warning

What to look for and steps to take to ensure you are safe from fake Self Assessment tax scams.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is urging Self Assessment customers to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails, and phone calls from fraudsters.

Scammers impersonating HMRC

With a large number of people expected to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022-23 tax year before the 31 January 2024 deadline, fraudsters will prey on customers by impersonating HMRC.

The scams take different approaches. Some offer a tax rebate, others tell customers that they need to update their tax details or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion.

What to do if you suspect a scam

An unexpected contact claiming to be from HMRC should be viewed as suspicious. Take your time and check HMRC's scam advice on how to identify tax scam phone calls, emails, and text messages.

You can report any suspicious communications to HMRC by:

• forwarding suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599
• forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
• reporting tax scam phone calls to HMRC

File your Self Assessment tax return

If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, you must do so and pay the tax you owe by the deadline of midnight on Wednesday 31 January 2024. 

See Self Assessment | Benefits of filing your 2022-23 tax return early.

First published 17 October 2023