Have you made a mistake? How to Make Changes to Your Tax Return

It is possible to file an updated tax refund in the event that you discover an error in your original return and wish to have it corrected.

Amendment window

It is necessary to submit the updated return no later than one year after the initial due date.

The 31st of January following the close of the tax year is the typical cutoff date for electronically submitting a return for one's own self-assessment. By the 31st of January in 2017, the self-assessment return for the 2015/16 tax year should have been submitted. When the notice to file was delivered less than three months before to the original date for filing, the deadline for filing is extended. When this occurs, the deadline for filing the return is extended by three months from the date on which the notice to file was issued. For example, if the notice to file a tax return for the 2015/2016 tax year was issued on November 15, 2016, the return must be filed by February 15, 2017. Paper returns have to be submitted by the 31st of October following the end of the tax year; therefore, the deadline for the 2015/2016 paper return is the 31st of October 2016.

Therefore, updated returns for 2015/16 need to be submitted by the 31st of January 2018 in cases where the standard online filing deadline applies. When a paper return is filed, an amended paper return for the 2015/16 tax year must be mailed to HMRC and received by that agency no later than October 31, 2017.

Procedure for making changes to online returns

When the first return was submitted online, it is possible to make changes to it through a process that is reasonably easy to complete online. The steps involved are as follows:

• Enter your login information into the online account for the self-assessment.
• From the menu, select the 'Tax Return Options' option.
• Select the tax year that corresponds to the return that needs to be modified.
• Enter the tax return, make the necessary corrections on the pages of the return, and then re-file the return.

Amendment process - paper returns

In the event that a paper return was submitted, any errors that were made on the return can be rectified by downloading a new tax return and submitting the pages that include the corrections to HMRC. Put the word "Amendment" at the top of each page, and don't forget to mention the taxpayer's name and UTR number.

Send a letter to HMRC.

You also have the option of sending a letter to HMRC with the specifics of the corrections. If the deadline for filing an amended return has already passed, you will have to write to HMRC to inform them of any modifications that need to be made. You have up to four years from the end of the tax year that the refund pertains to in order to file a claim for it.

Alterations to the tax bill you were given

When you correct an error that was made on your tax return, it is possible that the amount of tax that you owe for that particular tax year will also alter. When a revised tax return is submitted electronically, the calculation is also brought up to date. After the submission of an amended return and waiting the required three days, the tax account will be adjusted. If you have an outstanding tax liability, you should make immediate payment of the balance due in addition to any applicable interest charges. If you feel that you have overpaid for something, you can submit a request for a refund online. Nevertheless, the HMRC advises that you should take up to four weeks for it to be delivered.