Tax Return Software

[Mattt]

I need to do a SA for 08/09, are the software packages worth it? A friend has used TaxCalc and recommended it, but wondered what PHers thought?

[Eric Mc]

Why can't you use the free HMRC submission screens? Do you have some aspects of Self Assessment that aren't covered by the HMRC software?

Do you have a tax liability that should have been paid on 31 January?

If you have, you will be liable to the £100 late filing penalty.

In addition, if you haven't paid your 2008/09 tax liability by 28 February, you will be charged an addition 5% surcharge on the outstanding liability.
The surcharge is not applied to any 2009/10 Payments on Account.

Interest will be running on ALL outstanding amounts.

[Mattt]

I've only just been advised - so have 3 months IIRC to complete it.

I have to do split year, nothing else complicated - I was just told by my friend that it was a lot easier to do it on the software - but if you say the HMRC site is good enough, then that'll do for me

[Eric Mc]

Mattt said:

I've only just been advised - so have 3 months IIRC to complete it.

I have to do split year, nothing else complicated - I was just told by my friend that it was a lot easier to do it on the software - but if you say the HMRC site is good enough, then that'll do for me

Your friend may be right. The HMRC software doesn't allow for ALL Self Assessment situations. What you need to do is get onto the HMRC site - apply for your PINs and Authentification Codes - and see whether you can complete the return that way. If you cannot, you may have to acquire some third party software - which you will more than likely need to pay for.

I use Iris tax software which is excellent - but aimed at professionals and very expensive, so I wouldn't recommend it for your situation.

[smartie]

have a look at www.ftax.co.uk which is good value if you're not able to use the HMRC site.