New digital services have been launched that aim to make filing and managing tax returns quicker and less stressful.

These improvements are part of HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap, which sets out over 50 projects to modernise the UK’s tax system by 2030.

Among the new features are:

  • improvements to the digital self-assessment registration and opt out processes;
  • introducing enhanced on-screen messages to reassure taxpayers and reduce the need for them to chase progress on enquiries; and
  • improving the late filing and late payment penalties online appeals process.

Commenting on the changes, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:

The government is modernising the service that HMRC offers for British people and businesses. Our new payment plans for self-assessment will save people time and effort with their tax affairs and help them avoid making mistakes.

This new service forms part of our recently published HMRC Transformation Roadmap. We are going further and faster to reform HMRC, to make life easier for taxpayers and help deliver the economic growth at the heart of the Plan for Change.

More than 12 million individuals are expected to file a tax return this year. HMRC is encouraging early filing and flexible payment plans, including monthly or weekly Budget Payment Plans for taxpayers that need help to spread the cost of their tax bills. 

Taxpayers are also urged to update personal details, stay alert to scams, register for self-assessment or notify HMRC if they no longer need to file before key deadlines.