The deadline to file your Self-Assessment tax return is January 31, 2026.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025. Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC.
They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information. In the last 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant ahead of the Self Assessment deadline next month and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.
READ MORE: HMRC letters to thousands of people ahead of income tax change in AprilREAD MORE: UK Government responds to calls for £25,140 personal tax allowance for pensioners
The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024/25 tax year is January 31, 2026. People can file online on GOV.UK.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and 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 an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Who needs to file a Self Assessment?
Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return, even if they pay taxes through PAYE, for example, if they:
- are self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000
- are self-employed and earned up to £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits
- are a partner in a business partnership
- had a total taxable income of more than £150,000
- have received any untaxed income including pension income over £2,500
- received income over £1,000 from trading or providing services online
- have to pay the High Income Child Benefit charge
- received interest from banks and building societies or investments (more than £10,000)
- received rental or letting income from UK land and property
If someone regularly sells goods or provides services through an online platform, they may need to pay tax on their income.
People can find out more about selling online and paying taxes on GOV.UK by searching ‘online platform income’ or by downloading the HMRC app. The guidance will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.
HMRC has taken swift action to close down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months.
HMRC will never:
- leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
- ask for personal or financial information via text message or email
- contact customers by email, text, or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one
Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK.
HMRC scam advice
Protect
- Criminals are cunning – protect your information
- Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information
- Use strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you
Recognise
- If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links
- Check on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRC
- Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed
Report
- If you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call on GOV.UK
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen, and report it to Report Fraud. In Scotland, contact the police on 101
- By reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people falling victim.
Anyone due a refund can claim it securely via their HMRC online account or via the free HMRC app.
