Guidance

Help online with Self Assessment

Get help with Self Assessment by using online tools and helpsheets, watching YouTube videos or asking the digital assistant or community forums a question.

Getting help from HMRC online is often quicker and easier than calling us.

Use online tools

Tool What it does
Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return Use this tool to help you decide if you need to complete a tax return and find out what to do next
Check how to register for Self Assessment Use this tool to find out how to register for Self Assessment if you’re self-employed, in a partnership or need to complete a return for another reason
Check when you can expect to get a reply If you’ve already contacted HMRC, find out when you can expect to get a reply

Help filling in your tax return

There is help text throughout the online tax return that gives information on completing each section. If you complete a paper tax return, you can read the guidance notes that accompany the forms for help and information.

You can find Self Assessment helpsheets in the forms and helpsheets section of Self Assessment: detailed information, which can help you: 

  • find information on completing each section of your tax return
  • work out figures you might need to include in your tax return 
  • check if you qualify for a certain relief 
  • find out how to claim a relief in your tax return

Watch YouTube videos and webinars

Use HMRC email updates, videos and webinars for Self Assessment to:

  • find YouTube playlists to help you get started with Self Assessment, fill in your tax return and understand your tax bill
  • watch videos on different areas of Self Assessment
  • register for and join live webinars, ask a question in the chat and get answers from one of our experts

Tell HMRC you do not need to send a tax return

You must tell HMRC if you believe you no longer need to send a tax return.

This might be because you’ve stopped being self-employed or you no longer need to be registered for Self Assessment.

After you have applied to stop Self Assessment, your personal tax account will show the date and status of your application.

Ask for help online

You can use HMRC’s digital assistant to ask questions about Self Assessment.

You can also ask questions using:

Do not include personal or financial information in your post.

Use your HMRC online account

You can sign in to your personal tax account or business tax account to:

  • complete or amend your tax return 
  • check how much Self Assessment tax you owe 
  • make a payment or claim a refund 
  • find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment

You can also download the HMRC app onto a mobile device (for example, your phone or tablet).

Get extra support

If a health condition or personal circumstances makes it difficult to use our online services, you can find out how to get help from HMRC if you need extra support.

HMRC provides funding to voluntary and community sector organisations so they can help you if you need extra support with your tax. You can contact a voluntary or community sector organisation for free Self Assessment help and advice.

Updates to this page

Published 22 September 2023
Last updated 15 January 2025 + show all updates
  1. Information on where to find Self Assessment helpsheets, and how they can help you with Self Assessment has been added. Information on what to do if you no longer need to send a tax return has been added. Information on how to get extra support with Self Assessment has been added.

  2. Added translation

Sign up for emails or print this page