Self-employed urged to be vigilant about self-assessment scams

With nearly 800,000 tax-related scams reported in the last year, HMRC is warning the self-employed to be wary of potential self-assessment fraudsters.

As the self-assessment deadline is getting closer (31^st January 2022), more people may expect to hear from HMRC; more than 4 million emails and SMS will be issued, pointing them to guidance and support, prompting them to think about how they intend to pay their tax bill and to seek support if they are unable to pay in full by the end of January.

This is likely to create an increase in tax-related scams, with HMRC warning people to not be taken in by malicious emails, phone calls or texts, thinking that these are genuine HMRC communications referring to their self-assessment tax return.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said, “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

“HMRC will also never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.

“Scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so if you are in any doubt whether the email, phone call or text is genuine, you can check the ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK and find out how to report them to us.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.