Do you pay tax via self-assessment?
Did you know that in 2024 it’s estimated that scammers stole £11.4Billion from the UK and that 71% fail to report scams?
As a businessperson, you’ll be well aware of the importance of looking after your money and making sure that you are doing what’s required legally vis-à-vis your tax and HMRC. But the increase in scammers trying to impersonate the tax authorities is such that HRMC is now renewing its call to self-assessment customers to be extra-vigilant, particularly around bogusrefund scams and phishing attempts. And given that figure above of 71% not reporting scams, they are keen to encourage everyone to report any suspicious emails, texts or calls to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
A common way for scammers to get at your money is by offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information. You may be told that it’s safe to share personal details. It’s not so do not do so. This applies to passwords, usernames, and access codes – do not ever share them, even with someone you trust or who helps you with their tax – this includes us, your accountants!
HMRC also ask businesses to note that filing early can also as those who have already submitted their tax return are less likely to be caught off guard by scam attempts closer to the self-assessment deadline of 31st January 2026.
To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, more than 170,000 scam referrals were made to HMRC in the 12 months to 31st July 2025. Although that is a 12% reduction compared to the previous year, more than 47,000 of these reports still involved fake tax refund claims – and, of course, no-one knows how many were not reported.
If you receive any communication claiming to be from HMRC that asks for personal details or offers a tax rebate, we advise you to check the official HMRC scams guidance to verify its authenticity. Or if you are still worried, speak to us.
For avoidance of doubt, HMRC will never:
Anyone due a refund on their tax can claim it securely, either by speaking to us or via their HMRC online account or by using the free HMRC app.
Customers can report phishing attempts to HMRC by:
Alison Prior, M&S Accountancy and Taxation Limited
Further Information and Advice
More information about Self Assessment
Protect
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There is more practical advice at Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams.
