In a detailed update this week which you can read more about below, HMRC has asked us to share a message about Self-Assessment (SA) notices to file, linked to savings income, which have been issued to taxpayers who have also received multiple/conflicting HMRC letters. The message sets out what actions to take if you are affected.
In addition to the above, readers should also note the following:
- The Government’s legislative agenda for the 2026/27 parliamentary session was set out in the King’s Speech as part of the State Opening of Parliament which took place last week. The speech did not contain any announcements on fiscal policy, which is to be expected given the Government’s commitment to only one major fiscal event every year in the Autumn,
- HMRC has published a briefing explaining why ‘Bills of Exchange’ schemes that are being promoted as alternative ways of paying HMRC liabilities do not work as a valid form of payment. The schemes are particularly marketed to the recruitment and temporary labour sectors,
- HMRC has published Guidelines for Compliance (GfC) 17: Help with sharing group structure information,
- The Office of Budget Responsibility has published supplementary forecast information relating to the Autumn Budget 2025 announcement that national insurance savings on salary-sacrificed pension contributions are being capped from April 2029,
- The latest schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place, and finally,
- Check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected.
Update on SA notices to file linked to savings income
HMRC has been made aware of concerns raised by several of the Professional Bodies about taxpayers receiving SA notices to file that are linked to savings income as many of these taxpayers have also received multiple/conflicting HMRC letters. HMRC recognises the confusion that this has caused and apologises.
What has happened
Recent changes in how HMRC receives and uses bank and building society interest information enabled HMRC to identify around 120,000 taxpayers whose savings income for 2024/25 exceeded £10,000. Such taxpayers are required to file a SA return.
This is the first time HMRC has undertaken bulk activity at this scale to bring this taxpayer group into SA. Subsequently, HMRC issued statutory SA notices to file for 2024/25 to these taxpayers in mid-March 2026. The notice to file gives taxpayers three months from the date of the notice to submit a return and pay any tax due.
However, HMRC also recognises and apologise for the fact that the letters prominently reference the 31 January 2026 online filing deadline for 2024/25 returns, which has been confusing and has understandably caused anxiety as that date had already passed when the letters were issued.
Unfortunately, the issue was compounded for around 14,000 taxpayers due to an IT issue. These taxpayers received:
- a Notice to File, and
- a Simple Assessment (PA302), and in some cases other notifications (such as P800s).
In some cases, taxpayers have already:
- paid their Simple Assessment in full or in part, or
- received conflicting messages about whether they need to file a return.
What action HMRC has taken
For those taxpayers affected by the IT issue, HMRC has:
- identified and resolved the issue that caused dual notices,
- put in place work to withdraw the inappropriate notice, and
- updated internal guidance so that advisers can support taxpayers contacting HMRC.
For the wider population, HMRC has:
- reviewed the notice content and the concerns raised by taxpayers and representative bodies,
- ensured advisers are briefed to explain taxpayer obligations and the three‑month deadline, and
- segmented taxpayers based on any actions they have already taken (paid, part‑paid, returned, or no action).
What taxpayers need to do
For those affected by the IT issue:
- If a taxpayer has already paid their Simple Assessment, HMRC will withdraw the SA notice to file. These taxpayers will not be required to submit an SA return. Any late filing penalties applied will also be cancelled, and
- Any taxpayer who has not paid their Simple Assessment is required to file a SA return. The Simple Assessment will be withdrawn.
HMRC will be writing directly to affected taxpayers with clear instructions on what they need to do next. If no further action is required, this will be made explicit.
For those not affected by the IT issue who have received a Notice to File (around 106,000), these taxpayers are required to file a SA return because their savings income exceeded £10,000. The statutory deadline to file is three months from the date of the notice, even though the letter also references 31 January. These taxpayers should file and pay any tax due in line with that deadline to meet their obligations
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