HMRC Warns of Self Assessment Scams: 2025/26 Guide to Protect Yourself

HMRC warns of scams targeting people filing self-assessment tax returns – learn how to spot fraud, report scams, and file safely in 2025/26.

Introduction

In an era marked by digitalisation and ease of access to information, sophisticated scams prevail to haunt us in every field. Nobody, not even taxpayers, are safe. As the Online Self Assessment tax return deadline for January 2026 approaches, HMRC has urged UK taxpayers to remain vigilant while filing their returns. If you come across mails or text messages claiming refund promises or suggesting you to promptly file your tax returns via them, please do not hesitate to contact HMRC and report.

Although there has been a reduction of around 12% in scams compared to the previous year ending 31 July 2025, over 47,000 scams are still ongoing (GOV.UK). Scammers continue to exploit the self-assessment process to steal personal and financial information. This blog will help you recognise, and report fraudulent activities, while equipping you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate safely and avoid traps set by cybercriminals.

Why Self-Assessment Filers Are Targeted by Scammers

Self assessment filers are prime targets, given to the complexity and urgency surrounding tax obligations. If you are already bogged down by the filing process before the deadline, and if somebody promises to not only file on your behalf, but also help with tax refund – while sounding convincingly like HMRC – any novice person who is filing for the first time or who doesn’t have much awareness about it, will fall into this honey trap set by cybercriminals.Amongst the many factors, a few common ones are:

• Timing: The Online Self Assessment deadline on 31 January 2026 creates a sense of urgency, making taxpayers more susceptible to hasty decisions.Such pressure on these pending filers is exactly what scammers exploit.

• Refund Offers: Filing your tax obligations with someone who can minimise your tax liabilities is appealing, No? This is exactly what scammers exploit. They often promise fake tax rebates, convincing individuals to disclose their personal and financial details.

• Impersonation: When you are living on the edge, with impending deadlines bringing penalties, any glimmer of hope can often cloud your decision. Fraudsters know millions are contacting HMRC, making it easier to disguise phishing attempts. They mimic HMRC communications- sending fake official looking messages and impersonating as HMRC representatives.

Recognising Self-Assessment Fraud

Scammers employ various methods to deceive taxpayers:

• Phishing Emails: If you receive an email that genuinely looks official with all the logo and terms, either requesting you to take immediate action or provide personal information, do not act on it under any circumstances. HMRC never asks for your personal or financial information by mail .These are likely phishing emails aimed to bleed you dry.

• SMS Scams: Text messages with links to a so-called ‘official gateway account’ or requesting sensitive data should be marked as spam and blocked.

• Phone Scams: Nowadays scammers directly call you. They pretend to be from HMRC, threaten you with legal actions and may use aggressive language to try and create panic to force you into making quick decisions.

• Fake Website Scams: Such scams are meticulous with the fake site looking almost identical to the official site. The goal is to trick you into entering sensitive information such as your NINo /bank details or login credentials. So, always beware to click on any link received through mail, text or call.

Let’s say you clicked on it. You should then check the URL carefully. The official site always ends with “gov.uk”. Look for HTTPS and a padlock symbol as well. If this site is asking for personal information unnecessarily, or pressuring you to act quickly – shut down the site and contact HMRC to report. Always type www.gov.uk on your browser to directly navigate to HMRC services.

• Urgent Payment Demands: In exchange to avoiding financial penalties and legal actions, if the so-called HMRC representative demands payment in whatever form – maybe a gift voucher or cryptocurrency, do not comply as it is a scam. Unsolicited emails, texts, or calls are not to be entertained as it puts you at risk of losing money and your financial identity.

Immediate Actions if You Receive a Suspicious Contact

1. Do not click on any links, download attachments or disclose any information. Also, hang up on any unexpected calls asking you to reveal personal information.
   
2. Take screenshots and save copies of all the suspicious messages.
   
3. Go to your browser and type www.gov.uk. Then use the official contact number displayed within to report possible scam. You can then log into your government gateway account to check for genuine messages.
   
4. Contact your bank immediately if you have shared any personal information. Ask them to suspend your account or block any suspicious transactions.
   
5. Keep an eye on your bank statements and HMRC account for any unauthorised activity. Set up accounts alert to monitor future transactions.
   
6. Change passwords for your Government Gateway account and any other accounts that may have been compromised. Enable two-factor authentication where available and update security questions.

How to Safely Report HMRC Scams

You can report email scams by forwarding all the suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Text messages can be forwarded to 60599. As for the phone scam, use the online form on the HMRC site to report suspicious calls.

Nowadays there are fake HMRC social media accounts and sites circulating. Report such social accounts to security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk and fake website to Action fraud (UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre)

Self-Assessment Filing Tips

• As mentioned above, always access HMRC channels by typing www.gov.uk on your browser. Bookmark the site and important URLs, and avoid clicking links from emails or search engine advertisements.

• File your returns from a secure private network rather than public Wi-Fi. It’s safe to say that filing your return,or even logging into your official account-shouldn’t be done through your office or practice’s Wi-Fi, or at your favorite café. Do ensure your device has updated antivirus software and also you log out after each session without fail.

• Use a unique and complex password for your official government gateway account. Also, enable two factor authentication- ultimately securing your credentials.

• File your Self Assessment early to avoid deadline pressure.

• Maintain records of all HMRC communications, payment confirmations and submission receipts. Doing so will act as a leverage when verifying any suspicious messages or claims.
  For instance – you get an email claiming you owe HMRC money and that immediate action is required to avoid a penalty. When you check your detailed records you can notice that it’s a scam.

• Lastly, always double check by logging into your account independently or calling HMRC using the official number listed on the site. HMRC never asks for personal and financial information via email/phone/text. Never make payments or provide information based on unsolicited contact.

What to Do if You’ve Already Been Scammed

• If you have discovered you have fallen into a trap, waste no time as time is of the essence. Contact HMRC and report them immediately. Then contact your bank and ask them to freeze your account and reverse any suspicious unauthorised transactions.

• File reports with Action Fraud as well. If needed file one with the local police. Provide them with detailed records of the spam activities and any losses incurred.

• Change all your online accounts password- particularly the ones containing your personal and financial information. Also, monitor your HMRC account and bank statements for any signs of fraud.

• Stay in loop and seek fraud support services to guide you on recovery steps.

How Professionals Can Help

Professional accountants and tax advisors are aware of the latest tactics and scams in the market. Firstly, having seasoned expertise by your side helps you avoid deadline penalties and hefty fines. In addition, you gain access to the latest Self Assessment tax registration processes, which aim to minimise your tax liabilities legally. From using an encrypted, secure system for filing, to a comprehensive tax management system aimed at maximising your allowable deductions, professionals go a long way in making a business or personal finance long-term sustainable.

E2E Accounting is among the trusted accounting outsourcing service providers in the UK, known for tailoring services to individual needs. Our approach involves a blend of advanced technology and human expertise to give you an upper hand in this competitive era. Whether you require help with your Self Assessment tax return or year end accounting at competitive pricing, E2E leads the way-diligently catering to a diverse range of clients within eCommerce, Restaurant, Construction and other industries.

Red Flags & “Things HMRC Will NEVER Do”

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax and customs authority, responsible for efficiently managing taxes for the public good. Hence, it operates under strict protocols and administrative systems that are impossible to replicate or mimic precisely by the scammers.

Still scammers being scammers find ways to extort money from the people by illegal means. Be it either via unsolicited mails, texts or calls, or even a social post, knowing exactly how the HMRC operates will prevent you from falling into traps. Things that are red flags which HMRC will never do are:

• Asking for personal and financial information via phone, email or text. It’s not like HMRC doesn’t call, they do but never to access or force you into giving your personal information. If action is required, HMRC will write to your registered home address or direct you to your secure online account. In such cases, you do get an email from them, but only to say “you have a new message in your HMRC online account” and go to your account. No links, no attachments, nothing else that lets you ‘solve’ your queries by simply clicking.

• Legitimate HMRC communications are never marked by threatening messages of arrest within hours, or deportation for tax issues. They follow legal procedures with appropriate notice period and formal documentation.

• As for payment, HMRC will never ask you to make immediate payment via gift vouchers, cryptocurrency, or Amazon/iTunes vouchers. Accepted payment methods include cheques, the official HMRC online portal, bank transfer, Direct Debit, and payslips at a bank or building society. So, if you’re ever asked to pay in any other way, it’s a scam.

Conclusion

As the world moves forward, there is going to be an increase in scams, exploiting people for their rights and resources. What we can do is stay informed of the latest scams, recognise red flags, and report suspicious activities. Over ten and thousands of scams still continue in the UK and HMRC warns of scams targeting people filing self-assessment tax returns. Beware and when in doubt contact HMRC through their official website and emails/numbers displayed within. Connect with E2E Accounting if you want help with self-assessment tax return filing.

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