HMRC update about paper Self-Assessment forms
As part of HMRC’s drive to encourage customers to interact with them digitally, they have been writing to almost 135,000 customers from late March to inform them that they will no longer receive paper Self-Assessment (SA) forms automatically.
These customers who currently file paper SA returns will receive a letter encouraging them to file their returns online, with guidance on how to do so for the first time. You can sign up to file online Self-Assessment here.
This change is happening to encourage customers to file their SA returns digitally and to interact with them digitally, which is usually quicker and easier than over the phone.
If the customers wish to request a form for paper filing they will need to call HMRC and ask for a paper return to be sent out. The letter they receive will include a number they can call to do this.
Not all customers will receive this letter, those over the age of 70 who haven’t gone digital and don’t have an agent will continue to automatically receive a paper tax return, along with visually impaired customers who receive paper returns.
The forms at present will still be available online, as it was suggested how useful it is for advisors to support their clients while looking at the forms online. The forms will be available on the SA100 and supplementary pages will be added to explain these changes. Accompanying guidance will make it clear that the form should not be downloaded and submitted, and that customers will need to call HMRC to order a paper tax return.
