HMRC launches SA podcast

The latest podcast from HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) has been launched in a bid to help people negotiate the potential minefield of the self-assessment tax return.

Director of HMRC's business and consumer unit Stephen Banyard introduces a comprehensive guide to filling in a self-assessment tax return, focusing on key components such as the change of filing deadline for the forms.

Other aspects of the self-assessment tax return podcast - which is available from the HMRC as a free download - include how to avoid being hit with penalties and support sources for those completing their returns online.

HMRC was the first government department to employ the use of podcasts in April 2007 and won the prize in the internet/web category of the Institute of Financial Accountants annual awards in October that year.

This latest podcast follows the news that the self-assessment tax return has received a makeover for 2008, designed to simplify the process with fewer questions, simpler language and a more straightforward layout.