Frequently asked questions
What is the SA Return service?
SA Return offers a secure and easy to use online service to enable customers to file their self assessment tax returns. More information is provided under "Our Service".
SA Return offers a secure and easy to use online service to enable customers to file their self assessment tax returns. More information is provided under "Our Service".
Q- Will the SA Return service be suitable for me?
A- The financial and tax affairs of a limited number of people may not fit well with the fully online SA Return service.
For example, the service is not suitable for people with complex Capital gains and service eligibility is limited to customers that have acquired a capital asset in a single transaction and disposed of the asset in a separate single transaction.
If you are unsure whether SA Return is suited to your particular circumstances, you should submit a query via email to info@sareturn.com or using the "Contact us" message facility on web site before submitting your tax return data.
A- The financial and tax affairs of a limited number of people may not fit well with the fully online SA Return service.
For example, the service is not suitable for people with complex Capital gains and service eligibility is limited to customers that have acquired a capital asset in a single transaction and disposed of the asset in a separate single transaction.
If you are unsure whether SA Return is suited to your particular circumstances, you should submit a query via email to info@sareturn.com or using the "Contact us" message facility on web site before submitting your tax return data.
Q - What information do I need to register for the service?
A - In order to use our service we need to collect some information about you at registration. This includes key information that HMRC requires in order to accept any self assessment tax return submission.
Before you register you must have the following information available:
- your National Insurance Number and
- your Unique Taxpayer Reference ("UTR") number.
You can find your UTR on correspondence from HMRC, such as a previous Tax Return, Notice to complete a Tax Return or a Statement of Account. If you don't have a UTR you can contact your Tax Office and ask for your UTR, which can only be sent in the post to your home address. We cannot submit your return to HMRC without both of these items and you will not be able to complete registration without providing them.
Q - What information do I need submit my return through SA Return?
A - You will need to answer a series of simple questions about your other incomes, taxes paid, and tax reliefs that you are claiming. These questions require only a Yes or No answer. For each question that you answer "Yes" you will need to supply some supporting information.
Q - What can I do if I don't have electronic copies of documents or a scanner?
A - As our service is fully online we do need you to submit electronic copies of some key documents and you will not be able to submit your return without these.
If you do not have either electronic copies of the documents required or access to a scanner, you could take a photograph of each page of the document using a mobile phone or digital camera for which you are able to save files to your computer. The majority of the documents required are one page forms and provided the document images are clearly readable we should be able to use your photo image files. It will also help us if you save the image files with meaningful file names as "P45 Joe Bloggs.jpg".
Please note that we can only accept JPG, PNG and PDF files that are smaller than 5 megabytes each.
If your camera creates larger files, you may be able to reduce these by lowering the picture resolution or taking photos in black and white mode.
Q - How much does the service cost?
A - Each return will be charged at a fixed fee of £200 as standard. An additional fee may apply for complex or urgent returns and this will be advised prior to commencing work.
Q - How long will it take for you to complete my return?
A - Once you have completed and submitted your return information, we would typically expect to supply you with your draft tax return for review and signature within 14 days. This lead time is a guide and returns may take longer than this, especially from 1st Feb to 31st May.
Once you have electronically signed and approved your return we would expect to submit it to HMRC within one to two working days.
Q - How do I know that my tax return will be correct?
A - SA Return's tax accountant will complete a compliant tax return for you based on the information you have provided. The return will be created using HMRC-approved software.
The tax accountant will raise queries on any apparent anomalies or gaps in your data and we will request clarification or further data from you as required.
You will be provided with a DRAFT copy of your tax return in an HMRC format for review and online approval. Any queries or concerns will be dealt with and a revised tax return created for your further review and approval before submission to HMRC.
Q - Do I need to complete a self assessment tax return?
A - SA Return cannot offer any advice on this matter. HMRC publish general criteria specifying who must complete a tax return and they write to people whom they consider meet these criteria.
We recommend that if you are unsure whether you should submit a tax return, you check with HMRC. Information is available online at www.hmrc.gov.uk and also on the UK government information portal at www.direct.gov.uk.
Q - What is the HMRC deadline for self assessment tax return submissions?
A - The HMRC deadline for electronic tax return submissions covering the 2016-2017 tax year is 31 January 2018. Late submissions will attract an automatic penalty from HMRC of £100 and further penalties will accrue after this.
