HMRC issues warning over scams as Self Assessment deadline looms

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has urged taxpayers to be alert to potential scams and fraudsters ahead of the Self Assessment tax return filing deadline on 31 January 2025.

The tax authority said it received 144,298 scam reports between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period.

With millions of people due to complete their Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2025, it warned that fraudsters target people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details. Around half of all scam reports (71,832) in the last year were fake tax rebate claims.

Kelly Paterson, chief security officer at HMRC, said:

"With millions of people filing their Self Assessment return before January's deadline, we're warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds.

"Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams. And reporting anything suspicious helps us stop criminal activity and to protect you and others who could have received similar bogus communication.

"Our advice remains unchanged. Don't rush into anything, take your time and check 'HMRC scams advice' on GOV.UK."

HMRC said it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message. Officials will also not contact taxpayers by email, text, or phone about tax refunds. Anyone who is due a refund can claim it via their online HMRC account or the HMRC app.

You can report any phishing attempts to HMRC by:

• forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk

• reporting tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK

• forwarding suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599

Relevant resources

• How to pay Self Assessment tax

• How to find last-minute help with your tax return

• Guide to cyber security for small businesses

• Are you making these cyber security mistakes in your business?