How can I Check If my Tax Return has been Processed by HMRC? (UK guide)

We’ve previously discussed how to file tax return with HMRC, but you might be wondering how to check if your tax return has been processed or not.

You likely know that tax season is among the most stressful periods in the UK. There are numerous tax-related duties and responsibilities to monitor. This can lead to fines if not managed correctly. That’s why knowing how to verify if your tax return has been processed is crucial for keeping your peace of mind. If you’ve had the experience of interacting with HMRC’s tax helpline, you’ll understand how difficult this can be.

This blog guides you through steps to check if HMRC has processed your tax return or not.

Usual Processing Time

Typically, HMRC intends to complete the processing of your tax return within:

If Submissions Online: Acknowledgment within 72 hours. Nonetheless, the complete processing may require as long as 2 weeks, particularly during busy periods.

If Submissions through papers: These may require much more time, typically around 8 to 10 weeks. It is important to mention that processing durations might lengthen during the peak time, especially after-tax season.

Remember, these are estimated timeframes. The actual duration may change depending on the intricacy of your return or if HMRC needs additional information. It’s crucial to take seasonal variations into account. Processing times usually rise near the deadline because of the large number of submissions.

How to Verify the Status of your Tax Return

Checking the status of your tax return and whether it has been received can be simple if you know where to search. Here’s the way you can accomplish it:

HMRC’s Online Services: Begin by going to the HMRC website. If you haven’t done so yet, you must create a Government Gateway account, which is crucial for viewing your tax details.

Sign In: After your account is created, sign in using your login information. Go to the Self-Assessment area to check your current tax return status.

Review Your Dashboard: Your HMRC dashboard will show the newest information regarding your tax return, such as if it has been received, processed, or if additional details are needed.

Through the HMRC application

Get the App: HMRC provides a mobile application that is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. Obtain it from your application store.

Access: Utilize your Government Gateway credentials to access your account. If you’re a first-time user, the application will assist you with the sign-up process.

Check the Status of Your Tax Return: In the app, go to the Self-Assessment area. Here, you will discover information regarding the processing status of your tax return.

Company Tax Returns

Similar to Self-Assessment, Corporation Tax is also a self-assessed tax. This allows you to review your tax assessment and obligation right before you submit your finished Company Tax Return (form CT600). Your online return is automatically handled immediately upon submission. Upon submitting form CT600 online, a message will be displayed on your screen confirming that HMRC has received and approved your digital submission. You will also get a confirmation email.

The email and online receipt will include your document reference, submission date and time, along with the related IRmark. It’s advisable to download and retain an electronic version of the receipt and your submitted tax return as proof of the information provided to HMRC. However, just because you receive confirmation of submission, it does not imply that HMRC has approved the figures listed in your Company Tax Return. HMRC has the authority to modify the return to rectify clear mistakes, omissions, or any other inaccuracies they perceive based on the information they have. You can access your submitted return, tax calculation, and Corporation Tax bill online by logging into your HMRC business tax account within 72 hours of submission.

Delays in Receiving Return Submission Responses

As per HMRC’s guidance regarding the availability of Corporation Tax services and related issues, you might experience a wait for the response to your Company Tax Return submission when filing form CT600 online. In case you encounter any delay like this, you must keep requesting the HMRC business response through your filing software. If you haven’t gotten the online submission reply within 48 hours, reach out to HMRC’s online service helpdesk.

Checklist

At any stage during or after handling your tax return, HMRC might conduct a tax compliance inspection to:

• Make sure you are paying the correct amount of Corporation Tax
• Ensure you are obtaining the proper allowances and tax deductions
• Identify Tax Evasion
• Make certain that the taxation system functions equitably

Numerous compliance checks are conducted randomly, whereas some are triggered by specific factors, including:

• Inputting numbers on a tax return that seem to be inaccurate
• Requesting an abnormally high tax refund
• Reporting a minimal Corporation Tax despite having a significant turnover

If HMRC opt to initiate a compliance check regarding your tax matters, they will contact you or your tax agent (if applicable) to outline what they wish to examine and the reasons behind it. This could postpone the processing of your tax return if the check is initiated soon after submission. Nonetheless, you must continue to settle your Corporation Tax bill by the deadline even while any review is in progress.

VAT Returns

To adhere to HMRC’s regulations for VAT, nearly all businesses are required to submit their VAT Returns online. This can be accomplished in one of three methods:

• Utilizing MTD-compliant accounting software
• Through the selection of a tax representative or an accountant
• Utilizing your VAT online account (if you are part of the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme)

Upon successful submission of your VAT Return, you will receive instant on-screen confirmation from HMRC. Because of the significant possibility of mistakes, HMRC consistently examines VAT Returns when they are submitted – and they always scrutinize the initial return submitted by a business. HMRC intends to handle returns within 30 days, though it could require more time during peak periods. It also relies on the complexity of verifications needed for the VAT Return and if this is your initial submission. By logging into your VAT online account and selecting the option to ‘View past returns’, you can see and verify all the VAT Returns you’ve submitted. Recent submissions may require a few days to reflect in your account.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve break down steps to guide you to check if your HMRC tax return is processed or not. If you are someone who struggles with using technology, it is important for you to seek help from professionals. Tax and accounting services in London may help you easily go through the difficulties of Tax filing to Tax payment procedures.

Taxation and Compliance Services in London, UK

For all companies, navigating the rough tides of taxation is critical. The worst part about handling tax is the ever-changing tax compliance rules. This is where the expertise of our professional accountants comes in. As a top accounting consultancy in London, we, at SSCO Global offer comprehensive tax compliance services in the UK. With us, managing your company taxes will never be a problem.