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There are different types of tax return and different 'supplementary pages' you may need to complete depending on your circumstances. There are also deadlines for sending your tax return in - and penalties and interest charges if it arrives late.

You can file most tax returns online - the section 'Benefits of filing online' explains the advantages of this method.

Who needs to complete a Self Assessment tax return?

If you pay tax on your earnings or pensions through PAYE (Pay As You Earn) your employer or pension provider deducts tax on HMRC's behalf and you won't usually need to complete a tax return. In these cases HMRC normally asks them to use the PAYE system to deduct any tax you may owe on a State Pension or other taxable income (eg investment or rental income) up to a certain level.

But if you have more complicated tax affairs you may need to complete a tax return. There are also certain circumstances in which you will always need to complete a tax return - for example if you're self-employed, a company director or a trustee or if you have foreign income.

Follow the link below to read the full detail on who needs to complete a tax return and to find out more about the different types of tax return.

• Find out more about who needs to complete a tax return

Asking to complete a Self Assessment tax return

Self Assessment tax returns are normally sent out in April each year (or a notice to fill in a tax return if you file online). If you've not received a return but think you should complete one contact your Tax Office. Your employer or pension provider will have details of this, or you can search online.

You can ask to complete a tax return at any time - for example, if you want to claim a particular tax relief or exemption. HMRC will send you a return if necessary. (You can't send a Self Assessment return without first contacting HMRC).

If you are newly self-employed, HMRC has detailed information available 'Tax returns if you're self-employed or in a partnership' tells you how to register as self-employed - you'll then be sent a Self Assessment tax return if necessary.

• Contact details for all Tax Offices Opens new window
• Tax returns if you're self-employed or in a partnership Opens new window

Benefits of filing online

Filing online has many advantages - for example the software will automatically calculate any tax payable. You'll also have three months longer to file the return than if you use a paper form - you'll have until 31 January following the end of the tax year instead of the previous 31 October.

• File your tax return online - more about the benefits and how to register Opens new window

Find out more about Self Assessment

For more information about tax returns for specific groups follow the links below.

• Tax returns if you're self-employed or in a partnership Opens new window
• Dealing with a tax return for someone who has died Opens new window
• Tax returns for trustees or charities Opens new window