Tax return: don't fall for an HMRC copycat website

With the self-assessment deadline upon us, a number of dodgy copycat websites have sprung up to prey on those filing their taxes.

Workers filling out self-assessment tax returns have been warned to avoid copycat websites which charg fees of up to £100 for the free service.

Several companies have set up websites which look almost identical to the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) page, but charge people to register.

Fake websites, mocking the HMRC page and attempting to steal people's details, are also on the rise.

Tax return agents

It’s free to register for self-assessment and to file a tax return, but only if you do so via the official HMRC website.

As today is the self-assessment online deadline, thousands of people will be desperately scrabbling to get their tax return in. However that's also an opportunity for the less scrupulous.

If you search for a term such as ‘tax return’ or ‘self-assessment’ a number of different websites will appear. The very first entry, in a lightly coloured box to indicate its owner has paid for the position, is rarely the official website. And these third-party companies will charge you a fee for doing something that's absolutely free.

This is not a new thing; for the past few years there has been a rise in these kind of websites popping up around self-assessment deadline date.

As people are often stressed and trying to complete their tax return in a hurry to beat the deadline and avoid the £100 fine, they can be duped into using a website which charges for the service.

Read Tips for filing your self-assessment tax return at the last minute

A spokesperson for HMRC said: “It costs nothing to file a tax return. It is important that people thinking of using a tax return agent are clear in advance about fees payable and satisfy themselves that they will receive the service they are signing up for.

"Whilst people are entirely free to employ a tax return agent, HMRC does not sanction or in any way approve such sites, and we will take firm action against any websites that suggest otherwise. It is important to bear in mind that HMRC provides comprehensive help and guidance through our website and contact centres entirely free of charge."

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Avoid being duped

You should also be wary of copycat websites set up by scammers.

Copycat websites exist for many different Government departments. The con artists behind them successfully get their hands on the personal information and finances of many unwilling victims.

To avoid this happening make sure you check a number of things. The web address should match the official site, such as; ‘http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/’ and once you begin your tax return a padlock should appear in your browser to let you know the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology  is enabled.

The time and date of your last login will be listed and you’ll only be able to access the tax return element of the site after you’ve entered your User ID and password.

Read How to protect your PINs and passwords

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