When do you file taxes in the UK?

I started working in Sept 2006. I know the financial year ends in the end of March/beginning of April. So when do you file for April 2006 - April 2007? Also, do I file with my husband? He's self-employed. So he files on his own system and with his business partners. My hubby has  been self-employed his entire working career and seems to not know much about what to do if you are 'normally employed'. Any help would be much appreciated!

If you are employed, you pay tax on a PAYE (pay as you earn) basis, and if you have no other income then you don't need to file tax returns to the UK authorities.

Vicky

So there's never any kind of reckoning at the end of the financial year? Then what's all that stuff on the TV in January about filing something?

if the UK tax authorities want you to file your taxes, they will send you a letter telling you so...

and if they have written you, your 2006-2007 taxes are due Jan 08.  but there's a complicated series of deadlines depending on whether you calculate yourself, have HMRC do it for you, etc.

there are certain times when you may wish to self-assessment, even if you're not asked to do so. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/

Thanks for all the info! The self-assessment was the thing I was thinking about in January. I might do that this year because I've changed jobs twice and they keep changing my tax standing.

If you think that you are owed tax because you have switched from one PAYE job to another and think you have switched tax brackets, or you have spent time on an emergency NI number, or if you have spent time unemployed then you may want to do it.  But it may be that a simple call will suffice.

Ask your husband about the joy of tax returns...really, you don't want to be doing them if you don't have to!

(And that's why we have an accountant!).

Vicky

HMR&C contacted me about a tax assessment for the 2005-2006 tax year back in March.  I filled it out, they lost the first one and sent a second to me and sent the actual assessment & forms in July.  I get to do tax assessments for the 2005-2006 & 2006-2007 tax years.     They then told me you have 4 months from when they send the forms to you to fill them out & return them.

For personal taxes here its really easy & straightforward.  I was a bit daunted by the packet they sent, but they have *detailed* (I mean actual as close to plain English detailing as you can get) instructions that're pages long compared to the 1 page forms!  I just need to sit down and finish mine.   

Good luck!

You may want to file a tax return even if HMRC doesn't ask you to but the reasons for doing so are few or exceptional.  Partly because even if there are situations where you might do so, often HMRC can adjust things, ie with a change in your tax coding, directly through PAYE on your paychecks.  I believe if you make over £100,000/year you always have to file.  If you have large travel expenses (I think over £2,000/year) and a list of maybe 7 or 8 more things.  Self-employment is often the other big one.  There should be some more info on www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice 

I went on the website and tried to file on line until I realized I didn't have a UTR. I called my tax office and talked to them and they said I didn't need to file since they tracked my tax codes pretty thoroughly the whole time I've lived here. (I wish I made £100K but that not the  case) The lady that helped me at HMRC thought I was really on top of things to even ask if I needed to file and was very helpful.

So thanks again, everyone!!!!

Run your P60 gross wages through this website:

http://www.listentotaxman.com/

If it comes up with the same amount as your PAYE withholding, then the HMRC person you spoke with was honest and nice.  Brownie points for her!

If it comes up with a much lower number than the PAYE withholding, you should file to get a refund.  And the HMRC person was disingenuous.  Brickbats for her!

Thanks Lizzit!

The lady I spoke to was right. I don't need to file. I paid £5 too much in tax according to that website. So I figure they can keep my £5 - call it their earnings since I don't need to go to all the hassle of filing like in the US. I guess PAYE actually works  

That's your five pounds!  You are entitled to it!  Why give this government even more money than you probably already have, they don't deserve it!


Vicky

according to that website I should be getting more each month than what I am getting. Sorry for being rude and announcing my earnings. But I make £19000.00 a year and recieve £1108.50 each month. please double check me with that website if you can. I'm really confused. Should i take this up with my company or with the UK gov when i file for a tax return...ps. i'm a work permit holder.

Hi!

This message is specifically for Castabear only. 

According to this website

http://www.listentotaxman.com/index.php?calc=1&year=2007&age=0&add=0&taxcode=&period=1&ingr=19000.00&Submit=Calculate

you should be getting £1,226.59 per month take home.  That's a significant % of your gross income you're losing, so it's well worth resolving the matter.

Write to HMRC and explain that the withholding is too high.  They will instruct you as to what they would like you to do to (a) get a refund for 2006/7 and (b) adjust it for 2007/8.  Be sure to include a copy of your payslip and a copy of your 2006/7 P60 and 2006/7 P11d with your letter.

The address you should write to is in code on the P60.  To find out which branch of the HMRC you need to write to, call the main number and read them  your employer PAYE reference from the P60.  They should be able to advise you which office will handle your case.

Thanks Lizzit,

My main problem is that I don't know who to talk to since I just started working on 16 July and I don't have a P60, nor have I ever run across that term until today. Should I take this up with my employer?

thanks,
jo