Website of the UK government

Your online filing software options

Free software from HMRC

You can use the HMRC 'Online Tax Return - SA' software free of charge. It lets you file the main Self Assessment form online, including some key supplementary pages:

You can also take advantage of a number of features that allow you to view and/or amend your contact details online and use a secure email channel to ask HMRC a question. 

You can also see online your latest Statement of Account and account history and find out:

The HMRC software doesn't currently offer any more supplementary pages than the ones listed above. If you need these you'll have to use third party software.

Online support

The Online Services Helpdesk supports the HMRC software (but not software from other suppliers). You can contact them by phone on 0845 6055 999 or by minicom on 0845 366 7805: open 7 days a week from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). You can also contact HMRC by email helpdesk@ir-efile.gov.uk

Software from other suppliers (including free software)

HMRC has a list of 'internet filing enabled' software and online forms with links to suppliers on its website. Some of the software available is free and some you have to pay for.

'Internet filing enabled' means the software has been successfully tested by HMRC to make sure it can send valid tax returns, supplementry pages and forms over the internet, but its other features won't have been tested. HMRC will accept tax returns and forms sent using any of the third party software products it lists.

All the products listed let you file online, but some may suit your needs better than others. They all include the same Self Assessment returns forms and pages provided by the HMRC software, plus some or all of the following supplementary pages:

HMRC doesn't recommend any one particular product or service over another, so you'll have to choose for yourself. When you compare them, you could look at things like their extra features, ease of use and quality of support.

• List of internet filing enabled software from third party suppliers Opens new window

Do you have to file online in one session?

You don't have to fill in your online tax return all in one go. You can fill in part of it, save it and come back later. You can also print it out if you want to.

If you use the HMRC software, your work is saved securely on the system. Only you will be able to get at it, no-one else (inside or outside HMRC) can look at your return until you've actually submitted it.

If you use third party software, you may be able to save your work on your own computer. If this feature's important to you, check that it's available before you choose your software.

Before you can file online

Whichever software you choose, you'll have to register and enrol to use the online service before you can file online. You'll need to have your Unique Taxpayer Reference to hand (find this on your tax return or Statement of Account) plus either your National Insurance number or your postcode.

When you register and enrol, you'll get a User ID and you'll be asked to create a password. You'll be sent an Activation PIN (Personal Identity Number) in the post along with confirmation of your User ID, within seven days. Once you get your Activation PIN you can log in and start using the service.

There are several advantages to filing online including automatic calculation of your tax when you complete the return, faster processing by HMRC and access to your online account day or night. For full details please see our related article 'How to file your tax return online'. If you wish to register and enrol now you can use the link below.

• How to file your tax return online
• Register for Self Assessment online Opens new window

More useful links

• Understand and complete a tax return