HMRC simplifies SA return

Date: 17th April 2008

The self-assessment (SA) tax return has received a makeover designed to make it more user-friendly.

Approximately nine million people each year fill in SA tax return forms in the UK and the new scheme aims for an easy-access approach that HM Revenue and Customs (HRMC) defines as "fewer questions, simpler language and an improved layout".

Those filling in the tax return forms this year should note that with the new look comes new deadlines - with paper forms now due by the October 31st, 2008 and online forms by January 31st, 2009 for the tax year 2007-08.

Changes include a shortened self-employment section for businesses with an annual turnover of less than £64,000, an increase to £30,000 of the 'three-line account' threshold and the movement of the main source of income question to the front of the document.

For those who find even the new SA tax return scheme confusing, HMRC recently announced that help was at hand, with the revised form the subject of its latest explanatory podcast.