Can You View Your Previous Tax Returns In The UK?

If you want to know whether or not you can view your previous tax returns in the UK, you will find detailed guidance in the following blog post. Here, we will not only discuss if you can view previous tax returns but also how to go about it (if permissible). 

Can You View Your Previous Tax Returns In The UK?

Yes, you can view your previous tax returns in the UK. However, there is a different process to be followed if you have filed your tax returns under the PAYE system and a different one if you are self-employed and filing your tax returns under the self-assessment system.

If you need to check your precious tax returns under the PAYE system, you will have to sign in to your Personal Tax account using your Government Gateway user ID and password.

If you are self-employed and need to review your previous self-assessment tax returns, you should start by logging into your online account for self-assessment with the HMRC. 

Once you are logged in, you will be able to view and download your previous tax returns. You can also request a copy of your tax return from the HMRC by contacting them directly.

You can follow the following steps to view your previous tax returns online:

  • You will need to start by logging into your HMRC online account and getting your SA302 tax calculation.
  • Once you are on the main page, you will need to scroll down and click on the “Log In” tab.
  • You will be directed to the “Self Assessment” screen if you pay your taxes only under the self-assessment system. If you pay your taxes under the PAYE system as well as the self-assessment category, you will need to click on the “Self Assessment” tab to proceed further.
  • Then you should follow the link that indicates “‘More details about your Self Assessment returns and payments”. 
  • You will then see a section marked “Your returns”. Here, you need to click on the “View Self Assessment return for tax year 20xx to 20xx” or scroll down and select the appropriate year. 
  • Then, you should select the “TAX RETURN OPTIONS” that appears on the right-hand menu, select the tax year you need to refer to by using the drop-down menu and click “Go”. 
  • After that, all that you need to do is click “View Return”.

You can also save these details in the form of a PDF file and take a printout as well.

Can You Make Changes To Your Previous Tax Returns In The UK?

Yes, you can make changes to, correct or update previously filed tax returns in the UK up to 12 months after the deadline for your Self Assessment tax returns.

These changes or corrections either be made online or by sending a new paper form. In some cases, you may have to pay more tax while in others you may be able to claim an income tax refund.

However, if you need to change or correct a tax return filed in earlier years, you will have to write to the HMRC and let them know that you need to make a correction. Your letter should include the following information:

  • the tax year that you are correcting the details of
  • the reasons why you’ve paid too much or little tax
  • the amount that you think you’ve over or underpaid
  • your signature

Corrected paper forms should be sent to the following address:

Self Assessment

HM Revenue and Customs

BX9 1AS

United Kingdom

How Far Back Can You View Previous Tax Returns In The UK?

In the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) allows taxpayers to view and download up to 12 previous years’ worth of tax returns. This service is free of charge and can be accessed through the HMRC website.

To view your previous tax returns, you will need to log in to your HMRC account and select the “Tax Returns” option from the menu. From here, you can select the tax year you wish to view and download a PDF of your return.

If you need to view tax returns from more than 12 years ago, you can request copies from HMRC for a small fee. These copies will be provided as PDFs or paper copies, depending on your preference.

Conclusion:

The above discussion helps to conclude that you can view your previous tax returns in the UK and that too very conveniently from the comfort of your home while you check your details online. If you are unable to find previous tax returns online by yourself, you can request copies from the HMRC records as well.

References:

How to View and Download Your Tax Documents

Check how much Income Tax you paid last year – GOV.UK

Self Assessment tax returns: If you need to change your return – GOV.UK