The tax man has released a host of videos and online help for expats filing a self-assessment return by January 31.
With the countdown in full swing, HM Revenue & Customs wants to make sure taxpayers have no excuses for missing the midnight deadline at the end of the month.
HMRC wants taxpayers to know that a YouTube channel dedicated to self-assessment is available for free.
With 16 videos covering how to register for self-assessment, filling in the forms and online filing, expats can quickly find out answers to some of the most frequently asked tax questions.
A specific video deals with income from property, while others look at expenses for the self-employed and working out travel expenses.
Tailored toolkits
For taxpayers confident with calculating their tax, HMRC also has a series of toolkits that go step-by-step through common errors.
The toolkits include comprehensive information about income and expenses for buy to let businesses and how to deal with a capital gain for land and buildings.
“We would like to take this opportunity to show you our five most downloaded self-assessment toolkits. They have been tailored to support you by addressing the most common errors seen from previous years, and set out mitigating steps you can take to avoid those errors,” says HMRC.
“Make sure you are equipped with these toolkits to help you get things right first time around.”
Expat taxpayers should note that HMRC will not accept personal credit card payments from January 13.
Personal credit card ban
“HMRC is only allowed to accept credit card payments on the basis that there is no cost to the public purse, and the EU Payment Services Directive 2, which comes into effect on this date, prohibits merchants, including HMRC, from recharging associated fees back to customers,” says HMRC.
“Corporate, business and commercial credit cards are not affected by this change and HMRC will continue to accept personal and commercial debit cards.”
Anyone required to file a self-assessment return who misses the 12.00 pm deadline on January 31 faces an automatic penalty of £100 even if they do not owe any tax. Penalties and interest continue until the return is filed and any tax due is paid.
