Taxman urges customers to beat the rush

Self-assessment tax payers in Sunderland are being reminded not to miss the deadline for making their returns.

The 2019-20 tax return can be finalised at any time up to the deadline but HMRC is encouraging the 2 4 ,0 0 0 p e o p l e i n th e c i ty who self-assess to complete i t ea rl y to a l l ow fo r m o re time to pay their bill or set up a payment plan.

H M R C ’s i nte r i m d i re c - tor general of customer services, Karl Khan, said: “The January 31 deadline for tax returns is still a few weeks away, but customers don’t h ave t o wa i t u nt i l t h e n . We’re encouraging them to beat the busy January rush and get their tax returns in now.

“We know that many people are affected by the coronavirus pandemic this year and we’re here to help if they need to spread the cost of their tax bill. It’s quick and easy to set up a payment plan online and there’s no need to call us to set it up.”

Pe o p l e m u s t c o m p l e t e a self-assessment return if they:

*Have earned more than £ 2 , 5 0 0 f ro m re nt i n g out property.

*Received, or their partner has received, Child Benefit and either of them had an annual income of more than £50,000.

*Received more than £2,500 in other untaxed income like tips or commission.

*Are a self-employed sole trader whose annual turnover is over £1,000.

Customers are also being urged to beware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams and always type in the full online address www. gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for filing their returns online securely and free of charge.