Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has alerted the public to an increase in Self Assessment tax scams, urging taxpayers to exercise caution as the 31 January deadline for submitting tax returns approaches.
The warning follows a significant number of scam reports received in recent months, prompting concerns over the tactics used by fraudsters to exploit individuals during the busy tax season. Compliance and awareness have become crucial as HMRC seeks to protect taxpayers from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Surge in tax scam reports
Since February, HMRC has recorded over 4,800 reports related specifically to Self Assessment scams. More broadly, in the past ten months, the agency has received in excess of 135,500 notifications of suspected scam activity targeting taxpayers. HMRC remains one of the most frequently targeted government bodies by fraudsters, especially as key tax deadlines approach.
The rising number of reports has heightened concerns about the potential for further scams during this period. This surge is linked to increased correspondence between HMRC and taxpayers regarding annual tax filings, providing an opportunity for criminals to impersonate officials.
Common scam tactics identified
HMRC has outlined several warning signs for identifying potential scams. These include receiving voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, requests for personal or financial information via text message or email, and messages concerning fictitious refunds.
Fraudsters often use urgent and intimidating language to pressure individuals into responding or sharing sensitive information. Taxpayers are being advised to review the authenticity of any communications that appear to originate from HMRC, particularly when they include requests to click links or provide information atypical of standard HMRC protocols.
HMRC issues urgent advice
Ahead of the annual Self Assessment deadline, HMRC has reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant. Individuals are encouraged to treat all unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls with caution, especially if the communication involves financial requests. According to HMRC, vigilance is particularly necessary given the sophisticated methods employed by scammers during the busy tax season.
The agency recommends that recipients of suspicious communications take proactive steps to confirm authenticity before responding. This is especially relevant as the frequency of such scams is expected to rise in the weeks leading up to the filing deadline.
Self Assessment deadline and filing
Taxpayers must file their Self Assessment tax returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024/2025 tax year by 31 January 2026. Returns can be submitted online via the official GOV.UK portal. HMRC continues to underline that official requests for information will only be communicated through secure, recognised channels.
The department warns that ignoring precautions during the filing season increases the risk of falling victim to scams, potentially resulting in financial loss or identity theft.
Steps to report suspicious contact
In response to the increase in fraudulent activity, HMRC has successfully closed nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers over the past ten months. Taxpayers who receive questionable correspondence are advised to take specific actions:
forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, send SMS scams to 60599, and report fraudulent phone calls via the GOV.UK website. Prompt reporting helps HMRC take swift action to dismantle fraudulent operations and protect others from similar attempts.
Final Summary
With scam activity rising ahead of the Self Assessment deadline, HMRC's warning serves as a timely reminder for taxpayers to remain cautious and report anything suspicious. As official figures indicate a surge in fraudulent contacts, taxpayers are encouraged to engage only through secure channels and seek verification whenever uncertain.
Staying informed and vigilant will be essential in mitigating risks during the tax return season. For those managing their tax obligations, tools like the Pie app can assist in staying organised and aware of official filing processes.
