Don't forget! the self-assessment tax return deadline is looming
Published
21st Jan 2020
by akesha
The deadline for completing a 2018/2019 online tax return or paying any tax owed is midnight 31 January 2020. HMRC is warning of the steep rise in phishing attacks using self-assessment tax returns to trick victims into disclosing their bank account details, which are then drained of cash by fraudsters.
Hilary Hall, NHBF chief executive said, “As there are so many self-employed people working in the hair and beauty industries, most will have to complete a tax return. They are therefore vulnerable to tactics used by fraudsters. These include fake emails, texts or phone calls, usually offering you a fake tax rebate or threatening you with arrest or imprisonment if you don’t immediately pay a tax bill.”
She continues, “Never download attachments or click on links in texts or emails unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine. Also, look out for warning signs such as obvious spelling mistakes, poorly written messages, dodgy logos and suspicious email addresses, as these can take you to fake webpages which are set up to capture your bank account details. HMRC says it will never ask you for PINs, passwords or bank account details.”