HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about scams ahead of the 31 January Self Assessment deadline.
According to HMRC, more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported to them since February 2025. In all, they have received more than 135,500 reports of suspected scams, including 29,000 that referred to fake tax refund claims.
Scammers will often target taxpayers around peak filing periods, using persuasive or threatening tactics to obtain personal information or try and get the individual to make a payment to them. Common tactics include:
- Fake tax demands via email, text or phone calls.
- Claims of refunds that require the recipient to provide banking details.
- Threats of legal action or arrest.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, confirmed that scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out. Her advice is: "If any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information - report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report and HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more"
HMRC have confirmed that they will never:
- Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest.
- Ask for personal or financial information via text message or email.
- Contact someone by email, text or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one.
If you are unsure about a message you have received, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to confirm whether it is genuine or not.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4800-self-assessment-scams-reported
With the festive season underway and household budgets feeling the pressure, it may be useful to know that if you are worried about paying your tax bill in one lump sum, you may be able to spread the cost.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has said that doing business in the UK is too uncertain and expensive, and more stability in the tax system is needed. Their comments were in response to the government’s call for evidence on how the tax system can better support entrepreneurs.