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How to Check if HMRC Has Processed Your Tax Return

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Sumit Agarwal Sumit Agarwal 06 Jan 2025 Self assessment

How to Check If HMRC Has Processed Your Tax Return

If you’ve recently submitted your tax return to HMRC, you may be eager to know whether it has been processed.

Understanding the status of your tax return is important for several reasons, as it can impact your tax liability, determine if you are eligible for an HMRC tax refund, and inform you of any further actions you may need to take.

HMRC offers multiple methods for checking the status of your tax return, making it easier for taxpayers to stay informed. This blog will provide a complete guide on how to verify whether your tax return has been received and processed by HMRC.

We will cover the use of online services, the expected processing times for different types of returns, and the steps to take if you encounter any delays or issues.

Importance of Checking Your Tax Return Status

  • Confirmation of Submission: Checking the status of your tax return helps confirm that HMRC has received your submission, which is important for ensuring that your filing is acknowledged and processed correctly.

  • Addressing Issues Promptly: If there are any issues or delays, knowing the status allows you to address them promptly, helping you meet deadlines and avoid potential penalties.

  • Impact on Financial Planning: Understanding whether your tax return has been processed can importantly impact your financial planning. If you are expecting a tax refund, knowing the status will give you an idea of when to expect those funds, aiding in budget management.

  • Awareness of Compliance Checks: Checking your tax return status can alert you to any compliance checks or inquiries from HMRC. Being proactive about any queries can help resolve issues quickly and prevent complications later on.

  • Peace of Mind: Staying informed about your tax return status contributes to overall peace of mind. It ensures that you are aware of your tax responsibilities and allows you to take necessary actions if needed, increasing your financial security and compliance with tax regulations

Types of Tax Returns Processed by HMRC

When dealing with HMRC, it's important to understand the different types of tax returns that are processed. Here are the three primary categories:

Self Assessment Tax Returns

Self Assessment tax returns are required for individuals who earn income outside of standard employment, such as self-employed individuals, freelancers, and company directors. If you overpay your taxes, you may be eligible for a tax refund UK.

If your income exceeds certain thresholds, like £1,000 from self-employment or £2,500 from untaxed income, you must complete a Self Assessment return. This process helps ensure you report all income accurately and pay the appropriate amount of tax. The main form used is the SA100, which includes various sections for different income sources and expenses. If you overpay your taxes, you may be eligible to claim a tax refund.

Company Tax Returns

Companies in the UK must file a Company Tax Return (CT600) to report their profits and calculate Corporation Tax due. This return is mandatory even if the company has made a loss. Companies must submit their returns online and include mandatory accounts alongside their tax calculations. The deadline for filing is typically 12 months after the end of the accounting period. If a company has overpaid its Corporation Tax, it can also apply for a tax refund UK.

VAT Returns

Value Added Tax (VAT) returns are necessary for businesses that are VAT-registered and exceed the VAT threshold. These returns report sales and purchases subject to VAT, allowing businesses to reclaim any VAT paid on purchases. VAT returns must be filed quarterly or annually, depending on the business’s preference or requirements set by HMRC. Businesses can also claim a tax refund for overpaid VAT through this process.

How to Confirm Submission of Your Tax Return

Confirming the submission of your tax return is an important step in ensuring that HMRC has received your information and is processing it correctly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this through online methods and email notifications, along with the potential for a tax refund UK.

Online Confirmation Process

  1. Log into Your HMRC Account:

    • Start by visiting the official HMRC website. Click on the “Sign in” option to access your personal or business account.

    • You will need your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to create an account first.

  2. Access Your Tax Return Section:

    • After logging in, navigate to the section relevant to your tax return. For individuals, this is typically under Self Assessment, while businesses may find their returns under Corporation Tax or VAT.

    • Look for a link or tab that indicates Tax Returns or Submitted Returns.

  3. Check Submission Status:

    • Within this section, you should see a summary of your submitted tax returns. Look for a confirmation message indicating whether your return has been received and is being processed. This area may also provide additional information such as the date of submission and any outstanding actions required from you, which could impact your tax refund UK.

    • This area may also provide additional information, such as the date of submission, any outstanding actions required from you, and links to further resources.

Email Notifications from HMRC

  1. Automatic Email Confirmation:

    • When you submit your tax return online, HMRC typically sends an automatic email confirmation shortly after processing your submission.

    • This email serves as proof that your return has been successfully submitted and includes necessary details such as submission date, reference numbers, and any next steps.

  2. Check Your Inbox:

    • Make sure to check your email inbox for this confirmation. It’s important to look for emails from HMRC.

    • Don’t forget to check your spam or junk folders as well, sometimes, automated emails can be filtered incorrectly.

  3. Follow-Up:

    • If you do not receive an email confirmation within a few days of submitting your tax return, it’s advisable to take action.

    • First, log back into your HMRC account to verify if there’s any record of your submission.

    • If there’s no confirmation online either, consider contacting HMRC directly through their helpline or online chat service for assistance. They can help confirm whether your return was received and advise on any further steps you may need to take.

  4. Via the HMRC App:

    • Download the App: Start by downloading and installing the HMRC app on your smartphone.

    • Log In: Use your Government Gateway credentials to log in securely.

    • Navigate to Tax Section: Once logged in, go to the 'Tax' section of the app.

    • View Status: You can check your tax return status, including updates on refunds or processing issues that may affect your tax refund UK.

    • Real-Time Updates: This method provides convenient real-time updates directly from HMRC.

  5. Contacting HMRC Directly:

    • Choose Communication Method: Decide whether to call HMRC or use their online contact form.

    • Prepare Personal Details: Have your National Insurance number and relevant tax reference numbers ready.

    • Inquire About Status: When you contact them, specifically ask about the status of your tax return and any potential issues.

    • Receive Personalised Assistance: This approach ensures you get customised support regarding your tax situation.

Checking the Status of Your Tax Return

Knowing the status of your tax return ensures it has been processed by HMRC, avoids penalties, and confirms if a refund or additional tax payment is due.

Using HMRC Online Services

  1. Log in to Your HMRC Account: To check the status of your tax return, start by logging into your personal HMRC online account. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one using your National Insurance number and other personal details.

  2. Navigate to the Tax Returns Section: Once logged in, look for the section related to tax returns. This area will provide information on your submitted returns and their current status.

  3. Check Submission Confirmation: In this section, you should see a confirmation of whether your tax return has been received and processed. If it’s still being processed, the system may provide an estimated timeframe for completion.

Expected Processing Times

  1. Self Assessment Tax Returns: Typically, HMRC processes Self Assessment returns within 8 to 12 weeks after submission. However, during busy periods, it may take longer.

  2. Company Tax Returns: For Corporation Tax returns, processing usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks.

  3. VAT Returns: VAT returns are generally processed within 30 days.

What to Do If You Encounter Delays

If you experience delays in the processing of your tax return, follow these steps:

  1. Check Online: Log into your HMRC online account to see if there are any updates on your tax return status.

  2. Review Submission Confirmation: Ensure you have received confirmation from HMRC that your return was submitted successfully.

  3. Wait for Processing Times: Be aware that processing times can vary, typically it takes up to 10 weeks for self assessment returns.

  4. Contact HMRC: If it’s been longer than expected, contact HMRC directly via phone or their online contact form for assistance.

  5. Keep Records: Maintain all correspondence and documentation related to your tax return for reference.

Understanding Compliance Checks by HMRC

  1. Purpose of Compliance Checks: HMRC conducts compliance checks to ensure that individuals and businesses are accurately reporting their tax responsibility, receiving appropriate allowances, and discouraging tax avoidance.

  2. Triggers for Checks: Common triggers include differences in tax returns, important changes in income or expenses, late filings, and tips from informants. Anomalies in reported figures can raise red flags for HMRC.

  3. Notification Process: When a compliance check is initiated, HMRC will notify you via letter or phone call, detailing what they intend to review and the specific information they require.

  4. Required Documentation: You may need to provide various documents such as bank statements, receipts, invoices, and tax calculations. HMRC may also request to meet with you or your accountant.

  5. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failing to cooperate can lead to penalties, including fines. If you owe additional tax, you must pay it within 30 days, if you've overpaid, you may receive a refund with interest.

  6. Outcome of Checks: After the review, HMRC will communicate their findings. You can appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Handling Tax Refunds UK

A tax refund UK occurs when HMRC determines that you’ve overpaid tax during the year. This could happen due to overpaid PAYE, tax reliefs, or other deductions.

Self Assessment Refunds:

  1. If you've overpaid tax through Self Assessment, you can claim a refund by logging into your HMRC account.

  2. Ensure your bank details are up to date in your profile for a smooth refund process.

  3. Refunds typically take up to 8 weeks to process after your return is accepted.

Corporation Tax Refunds:

  1. Companies can claim refunds if they have overpaid Corporation Tax. This can be done via the Company Tax Return.

  2. Submit any necessary documentation to support your claim.

  3. HMRC usually processes refunds within 28 days.

Corporation Tax Refunds:

  1. If you’ve overpaid VAT, you can reclaim it through your VAT return.

  2. Ensure all claims are supported by proper invoices and records.

  3. VAT refunds are typically processed within 30 days.

dns accountants is a great choice if you're looking for help with your tax return, especially when it comes to maximising your chances of receiving an HMRC tax refund. We specialise in making the process easy and stress-free for everyone, whether you are self-employed, a freelancer, or a landlord. Our team of experienced accountants will guide you through every step, ensuring that you meet all deadlines and comply with UK tax laws. By using advanced software to prepare your tax return accurately, they help avoid mistakes and potential penalties, which can delay your HMRC tax refund.

Additionally, dns accountants focus on maximising your tax savings by ensuring you claim all eligible deductions and reliefs. With their friendly support and tailored services, you can feel confident that your tax return is in good hands, allowing you to focus on what you do best while they handle the complexities of tax filing.

To get started, contact us today at 033 0088 3616 or email us at contact@dnsaccountants.co.uk. You can also book a free consultation and let us take the worry out of your inheritance tax so you can focus on what matters most to you.

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About the author

Sumit Agarwal
Sumit Agarwal
Sumit Agarwal (ACMA ACA India), the Managing partner of dns accountants