Approximately 12 million people are expected to submit a self-assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year before the deadline on 31 January 2024, leaving the door open for scammers.
After receiving reports of more than 130,000 tax scams between September 2022 and September 2023 - 58,000 of which were offering fake tax rebates - HMRC is warning customers to be cautious.
Fraudsters are expected to prey on customers by impersonating HMRC through a variety of methods, for example, they could offer a fake rebate, inform customers they need to update their tax details or even threaten arrest for tax evasion.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's director general for customer services, said:
"HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run-up to the self-assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
"Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK."
Who do fraudsters target?
Given that fraudsters target self-assessment customers when they know they are likely to contact HMRC, self-assessment customers should be extra vigilant.
Scam texts, emails or telephone calls may offer them a 'refund' or demand unpaid tax, believing they are genuine HMRC communications regarding their self-assessment.
It is possible that some customers who have not previously filed a self-assessment return might be tricked into clicking on links in these emails or texts and revealing their personal or financial information to criminals.
HMRC is there to support
HMRC is committed to protecting the public from scammers. A total of 60,000 phone scam reports were received by HMRC in the 12 months to September 2023, and 25,000 malicious web pages were taken down.
Additionally, HMRC also formally disputes and takes ownership of HMRC-branded internet domains or website names.
Since 2017, the department has recovered more than 183 websites hosting low-value services such as call-connection sites, saving the public millions of pounds.
Keep your details secure
For the 2022 to 2023 tax year, paper tax returns must be filed by 31 October 2023, and online tax returns must be filed by 31 January 2024.
HMRC login details should not be shared by customers who file their returns online via GOV.UK. By sharing those details, an individual could steal from them or make a fraudulent claim on their behalf.
Talk to us about your tax return.