Website of the UK government

Advantages of filing online

There are lots of advantages to sending your tax return online:

• online tax returns are processed faster than paper returns and any money you are owed by HMRC is repaid to you more quickly than if you file on paper
• you get an immediate online acknowledgement as soon as HMRC receives your completed tax return
• it is safe and secure
• your tax is worked out automatically as you complete the form so you know what you owe or are owed right away
• any money you are owed by HMRC is repaid to you more quickly than if you file on paper
• the deadline for online returns is 31 January - the deadline for paper returns is 31 October, 3 months earlier
• if you're on PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and want to pay any tax you owe (where this is possible) through your tax code, the deadline for filing online is 30 December instead of 31 October (the paper return deadline)
• filing online is convenient and can be done at any time of day or night
• you can monitor your Self Assessment 'account' online - this includes statements of your payment history and what you currently owe or are owed
• you can save your data safely and return to it later, this means you can complete your tax return at your own pace, just as long as you meet the deadline of 31 January
• it's easy to store your completed return online and you can also print out a copy for your records

• Tax return deadlines and penalties - find out more

How does it work?

Online filing software choices

You can use HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) free online filing software to file your tax return online or you can use commercial software.

Read more about the difference between the two by following the link below. The rest of this article deals with using HMRC’s software.

• Find out about the different software you can use to file online

Using HMRC’s online software

If you're already registered for another online service for individuals, for example Child Benefit, VAT online or Tax Credits read the section below 'If you've already used another online service'.

If this is the first time you've used a government online service for individuals, you need to register for Self Assessment online, receive a 'User ID' and then wait to receive an 'Activation PIN' (personal identity number). This is sent to you by the Government Gateway (the central registration service for online government services) through the post.

Why do you need to wait for an Activation PIN?

The Activation PIN is designed to protect you by ensuring complete security of our online services. Because it's sent to your home address (already held on our files) the government can be sure that only you can activate the account.

Registering is straightforward

Step one

Make sure you have the following information to hand:

Step two

Follow the link below and select 'Register' in the New User section.

• Register for Self Assessment Online Opens new window

Step three

Select 'Self Assessment Online' as the service you wish to register for.

Step four

Follow the on-screen instructions (this will include reading and accepting the Terms & Conditions, and creating a password of your choice).

Once you've completed the registration process, your unique User ID and Activation PIN will be sent to you by post from the Government Gateway. Allow up to seven working days for them to arrive. (Your User ID will also appear on-screen during the registration process.)

Step five

Once you have both your User ID and Activation PIN, you will need to return to the HMRC website, select Self Assessment Online from the 'do it online' section and log in using your User ID and chosen password.

From here, follow the instructions to activate Self Assessment Online. You must do this within 28 days. After this time your Activation PIN will no longer be valid. Once you've activated the service you can destroy the PIN.

You can use the same User ID and password to 'enrol' (sign up) for other online services for individuals, for example Child Benefit Online or VAT Online.

If you've already used another online service as an individual

In this case follow the link below and log in using your existing User ID and password, then follow the on-screen instructions to enrol for Self Assessment Online. You'll receive an Activation PIN in the post within seven working days. Follow step five above to activate the service.

• Enrol for Self Assessment Online Opens new window

If you have lost your User ID or password

If you have already registered but forgotten or lost your User ID or password, go to the online services login page (see link below), and follow the 'lost user id' or 'lost password' link under the heading 'existing users'.

For security purposes you'll need to answer a number of questions before a replacement User ID or password is issued. The Government Gateway will send a replacement User ID or password either online if you have a Government Account email address or by first class post to the address we hold on our records.

If you have lost both your User ID and password please call the Online Services Helpdesk (see 'Online support' below).

• Go to the online services login page Opens new window

Self Assessment Online service issues

For information on technical issues with Self Assessment Online, including service availability, follow the link below to HMRC's 'Service issues' page. The page gives details of any issues with the service and explains how they are being dealt with.

• Check the availability of the Self Assessment Online service Opens new window

Is it safe to file online?

Filing an online tax return is secure and convenient. Any sensitive or private information you file online with HMRC is encrypted and protected by your unique User ID and a password that only you know.

It is important that you never share your password with anyone - HMRC never asks you for your password by telephone or email.

Online Support Helpdesk

Contact the HMRC Online Services Helpdesk for help and advice about the Self Assessment Online service. The helpline offers help and advice on problems in using your computer and about the online service itself.

Telephone: 0845 60 55 999 (Minicom: 0845 366 7805). 
Open seven days a week, 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Email:

helpdesk@ir-efile.gov.uk(The email service provides automated responses to some queries 24 hours a day).