Tax return deadline approaches

The date is fast approaching for the nine million people who are required to complete a self-assessment tax return - but would rather HM Revenue & Customs do the sums.

If self-assessment tax returns are received by September 30, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guarantee to make the calculations and tell you what you need to pay in time for the 31 January deadline for payment.

Tax payers can complete the tax self-assessment process online, through the HMRC website. HMRC claims that this secure site not only automatically calculates how much tax you owe, but doing it online means your tax return is processed faster, and any repayments made sooner.

Introduced in 1997, tax self-assessment applies to the self-employed, company directors, those with business partners, higher-rate taxpayers, or people who otherwise have complicated tax affairs.

The vast majority of self-assessment tax returns (8.3 million) are submitted by individuals. The remainder comprise 600,000 business partnerships, plus around a quarter of a million trusts and estates.

The Self-Assessment Help Line on 0845 900 0444, which is open seven days a week from 8.00am to 8.00pm.

Self-assessment returns, and payments due, must be received by 31 January - otherwise customers face a £100 fine.

Northern Ireland

HMRC is running two workshops for the self employed in Northern Ireland, aimed at sole traders and partnerships, which explain how to complete the self assessment return, the expenses and allowances that can be claimed, deadline dates, and how to pay tax.

The self-assessment for the self employed event in Belfast opens at 9.30am - 1.30pm on Thursday 22 September at Olivetree House, Fountain Street, Belfast.

The self-assessment for the self employed event in Enniskillen opens at 10.00am - 2.00pm on Thursday 22 September 2005 at the Enniskillen Enterprise Centre.

For further details or to book a place on one of these events, telephone 028 9053 2755, 2528 or 2523.