What to know before you decide
Do not wait for perfect records before asking for help
Share the HMRC letter, the date received and the reference to the tax year. We first establish whether a return is outstanding, a calculation is wrong or a payment has not been matched. Missing income and expense evidence then needs a structured reconciliation. Filing an overdue return does not automatically cancel penalties or stop interest on unpaid tax.
An unexpected bill may include more than last year’s tax
The total can combine a balancing payment, payments on account, interest and penalties. Review each component before deciding that the return itself is wrong. If payment is difficult, HMRC may consider a Time to Pay arrangement depending on circumstances; it is not guaranteed. Appeal options and deadlines depend on the notice and the facts, so preserve the correspondence and act promptly.