Scams warning as Self Assessment customers targeted

MILLIONS of Self Assessment customers are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to remain vigilant to scams that claim to be from the department.

Scammers often impersonate HMRC, offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information. They may say it's safe to share personal details. It's not. Passwords, usernames, and access codes are private and customers should never share them, even with someone they trust or who helps them with their tax.

Filing early can also help customers spot scams more easily as those who have already submitted their tax return are less likely to be caught off guard by scam attempts closer to the Self Assessment 31 January 2026 deadline.

Concerned customers reported more than 170,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the 12 months to:- 31 July 2025; and while that is a 12% reduction compared to the previous year, more than 47,000 of these reports still involved fake tax refund claims. If someone receives a communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal details or offers a tax rebate, they should check the official HMRC scams guidance to verify its authenticity.

HMRC will never:-

• Leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest.
  

• Ask for personal or financial information via text message or email.
  

• Contact customers by email, text, or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim 1.

Anyone due a refund can claim it securely via their HMRC online account or via the free HMRC app.

Kelly Paterson, HMRC's Chief Security Officer, said:- "Scammers target individuals when they know Self Assessment customers will be preparing to file their tax returns. We're urging everyone to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds. Taking a moment to pause and check can make all the difference. Report any suspicious activity to us before the fraudsters do any more harm. Search:- 'HMRC scams advice' and refer to the scams guidance on GOV.UK to stay informed and protect yourself.”

Customers can report phishing attempts to HMRC by:-

• Forwarding emails to:- Phishing@HMRC.Gov.UK,
  

• Reporting scam phone calls via:- Gov.UK.
  

• Forwarding suspicious texts to:- 60599.
  

Parents urged to extend their teen's Child Benefit claim online as deadline approaches

WITH GCSE results due this week HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents who know their teenager's plans in September to extend their claim now to continue to receive Child Benefit.

More than 509,000 parents of teenagers, who are staying in full time education or approved training, have already extended their Child Benefit claim. A record breaking:- 67% have done it online to guarantee their payments will continue in September. Parents need to extend their claim by:- 31 August 2025, or payments will automatically stop.

Child Benefit is worth:- £26.05 per week; or £1,354.60 a year; for the eldest or only child and:- £17.25 per week; or £897 a year; for each additional child.

HMRC has written to:- 1.5 million eligible parents reminding them to extend their Child Benefit claim for their:- 16 to 19 year old.

The quickest and easiest way to ensure payments continue is to extend via the HMRC app or online through the digital service.

Parents can also scan the QR code in their reminder letter which will take them straight to the digital service.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said:- "Teenagers can be expensive and Child Benefit is an important source of income for your household. As soon as you know what your teen is doing in September, don't miss out. You can extend your claim in minutes through the HMRC app or online to ensure your payments continue.”

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for young people who are studying full time in non advanced education as well as unpaid approved training courses. Visit Gov.UK for a full list of approved courses.

If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between:- £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive and what the charge may be.

As part of the Government's Plan for Change, many families will soon have the option to use a new digital service to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.

The new service will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the charge. Those who choose to pay through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app.

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