Don't leave tax returns to last minute, says expert

Date: 14th January 2009

Small businesses and self-employed individuals have been warned not to leave their self-assessment tax returns until the last minute.

The advice comes from the head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chas Roy-Chowdhury, who told BBC News that this year has been one of significant change for the tax return system.

Specifically, HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) decision to bring the paper deadline forward to October 31st and introduce an online one ending January 31st has been perhaps the biggest alteration for 2008/09.

Mr Roy-Chowdhury told BBC News: "The changes to the self-assessment system this tax year are all part of the efforts by HMRC to encourage taxpayers to file their returns online.

"As well as filing your return, you are also obliged to pay the tax you may owe."

Small businesses - such as partnerships and limited companies - looking for further advice on completing their self-assessment tax return should consider consulting their local accountant.