Day 25 Avoiding Common Tax Return Mistakes Before the January Deadline

With the self-assessment deadline approaching on January 31st, understanding and avoiding common tax return mistakes is crucial for ensuring accurate submission and preventing costly penalties. As Gravesend's trusted accountancy practice, we've compiled expert guidance on the most frequent errors we encounter and how to prevent them.

Critical Self-Assessment Errors to Watch For

Recent HMRC data reveals that thousands of tax returns face rejection annually due to preventable mistakes. Here are the most common issues our Kent-based clients encounter and how to avoid them:

1. Incomplete Information and Missing Pages

Many self-assessment returns are delayed due to missing supplementary pages or incomplete sections. Ensure you include all relevant supplementary pages for different income sources, including property income, self-employment, and capital gains.

2. Numerical Accuracy Issues

Simple arithmetic errors can trigger HMRC investigations. Common problems include:

• Transposed figures in income reporting
• Incorrect calculations of taxable profit
• Mismatched figures between different sections
• Missing decimal points in financial entries

3. Overlooked Income Sources

Failing to declare all income sources is a serious oversight. Remember to include:

• Bank interest and dividends
• Rental income from property
• Foreign income and gains
• Capital gains from asset disposals
• Secondary employment income

Using Technology to Prevent Errors

While HMRC-approved software can help prevent basic mistakes, professional oversight remains essential for complex returns. Our Gravesend office provides comprehensive return reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Professional Support Available

At MCC Partners, we offer expert guidance to ensure your tax return is accurate and optimized. Our services include:

• Pre-submission review and error checking
• Full tax return preparation and filing
• Year-round tax planning advice
• Support with HMRC correspondence

Next Steps

Don't risk penalties or investigations due to preventable errors. Contact our Gravesend office at 01474 619 990 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for professional assistance with your tax return. Our experienced team ensures accurate submission while maximizing your allowable expenses and deductions.