Tax return gets
a new look for Spring
Sector: Local Government
Date Created: Wed 9th Apr 2008,
12:56:58
Source: HM Revenue & Customs
Link: www.hmrc.gov.uk
UK - Millions of new look tax returns will be dropping onto doormats
from this week, following a revamp of the main self assessment (SA)
tax return.
The new look return now has fewer questions, simpler language and an improved
layout. It's designed to be easier to understand and complete for all SA customers
but, in particular, for those who are self-employed or who don't use an accountant
to complete their return.
Other changes to the paper return include:
* A new page for additional information - questions completed by relatively few
people about less common types of income and reliefs have been moved to a new,
separate 'Additional Information' page, which is included in the return pack.
* A new short, self-employment page - a two-page form with fewer boxes to complete
is being introduced for smaller, straightforward businesses
with an annual turnover below £64,000.
* An increased 'three line account' threshold - the limit for completing simpler,
abbreviated accounts information has been doubled to £30,000.
* Reordered questions - a person's main source of income is now at the front
of the return, rather than the end, ensuring customers answer questions most
relevant to them first.
A redesigned version of the online SA return is also now available.
All the changes have been made following a successful two-year pilot, which involved
more than 7,000 SA customers.
From this year, there are also changes to the SA deadlines - paper returns must
now be filed by 31 October, while the deadline for online returns remains at
31 January.
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