Acting quickly with your tax return could save you money

Self-Assessment taxpayers, whose incomes fell in the 2020-21 tax year, may be able to reduce their next tax payment to HMRC on 31 July 2021, but need to speak to their accountant as soon as possible.

A lot of taxpayers had a very different tax year in 2020-21 and may be due a refund or an adjustment to the second payment on account due on 31 July 2021.

Payments on account are based on estimates from past income, so providing updated figures from a bad year now could reduce the bill or even lead to a refund.

Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, said: “Although taxpayers have until January next year to submit their next tax return, many may be able to reduce the amount they have to pay this year by providing HMRC with a clearer idea of their current income by establishing their current profitability or by submitting their return early.”

So far, taxpayers have been getting organised with 950,000 already having completed their 2020-21 tax returns with 63,500 filing their self-assessment on the first day of the tax year, HMRC has revealed.

And with almost 950,000 online Self-Assessment returns received so far this tax year, HMRC is urging others to do the same and file their tax returns early.

‘Payments on account’ are advance payments towards your tax bill (including Class 4 National Insurance if you are self-employed).

You must make two payments on account every year unless:

· Your last Self-Assessment tax bill was less than £1,000

· You’ve already paid more than 80 per cent of all the tax you owe, for example through your tax code.

Each payment is half your previous year’s tax bill. Payments are usually due by midnight on 31 January and 31 July.

If you still have tax to pay after you have made your payments on account, you must make a ‘balancing payment’ by midnight on 31 January next year.

To find out more about Lamont Pridmore’s accountancy, tax and business services, please visit www.lamontpridmore.co.uk