Help online with Self Assessment
Get help with Self Assessment by using online tools and guidance, and watching HMRC YouTube videos.
Getting help from HMRC online is often quicker and easier than calling us.
Use online tools
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return | Use this tool to help you decide if you need to complete a tax return and find out what to do next |
| Check how to register for Self Assessment | Use this tool to find out how to register for Self Assessment if you’re self-employed, in a partnership or need to complete a return for another reason |
| Check when you can expect to get a reply | If you’ve already contacted HMRC, find out when you can expect to get a reply |
If you have previously registered for Self Assessment
If you did not send a tax return last year you should check how to register, as you may need to reactivate your Self Assessment account.
Checking how to register will make sure you submit your return in the right way and mean:
- your return is processed more quickly
- any refunds or correspondence from HMRC are not delayed
Help filling in your tax return
There is help text throughout the online tax return that gives information on completing each section. If you complete a paper tax return, you will receive guidance notes that also provide help and information.
You can also find guidance to help you understand and fill in sections of your Self Assessment tax return. Guidance includes:
- YouTube videos and playlists
- Self Assessment helpsheets
- recorded webinars
Watch YouTube videos and webinars
Use HMRC email updates, videos and webinars for Self Assessment to:
- find YouTube playlists to help you get started with Self Assessment, fill in your tax return and understand your tax bill
- watch videos on different areas of Self Assessment
- register for and join live webinars, ask a question in the chat and get answers from one of our experts
Tell HMRC you do not need to send a tax return
You must tell HMRC if you believe you no longer need to send a tax return.
This might be because you’ve stopped being self-employed or you no longer need to be registered for Self Assessment.
After you have applied to stop Self Assessment, your personal tax account will show the date and status of your application.
Ask for help online
You can use HMRC’s digital assistant to ask questions about Self Assessment.
You can also ask generic questions about Self Assessment using HMRC Customer Support on X (Twitter) — do not include personal or financial information in your post.
Use your HMRC online account
You can sign in to your personal tax account or business tax account to:
- complete or amend your tax return
- check how much Self Assessment tax you owe
- make a payment or claim a refund
- find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
You can also download the HMRC app onto a mobile device (for example, your phone or tablet).
Get extra support
If a health condition or personal circumstances makes it difficult to use our online services, you can find out how to get help from HMRC if you need extra support.
HMRC provides funding to voluntary and community sector organisations so they can help you if you need extra support with your tax. You can contact a voluntary or community sector organisation for free Self Assessment help and advice.