Self Assessment scam warning as 2025 deadline approaches

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to be alert to potential scams and fraudsters ahead of the filing deadline on 31 January 2025.

Concerned customers reported nearly 150,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the last year, as Self Assessment filers are warned to be alert to fraudsters. With millions of people due to complete their Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2025, fraudsters are targeting people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details.

Spot potential Self Assessment scams

HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message – only fraudsters and criminals will do that. HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message - only fraudsters and criminals will do that.

What to do if you suspect a scam

An unexpected contact claiming to be from HMRC should be viewed as suspicious. Take your time and check HMRC's scam advice on how to identify tax scam phone calls, emails, and text messages.

You can report any suspicious communications to HMRC by:

• forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
• reporting tax scam phone calls to HMRC
• forwarding suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599

File your Self Assessment tax return

If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, you must do so and pay the tax you owe by the deadline of midnight on Friday 31 January 2025.

File your Self Assessment tax return and pay your tax bill by 31 January 2025.

First published 2 December 2024