How to Check if Your Self Assessment Tax Return Is Saved but Not Submitted

If you’re a sole trader completing a Self Assessment tax return in the UK, it’s important to know whether your return has been fully submitted to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or if it’s merely saved as a draft. Saving a return without submitting it means HMRC has not received your information, and you may face penalties if you miss the deadline.

Understanding the Difference Between Saved and Submitted

When working on your online Self Assessment tax return, you can save your progress at any point. This saved version is stored in your online account but is not yet sent to HMRC. Submission is a separate step, which officially sends your completed return for processing.

Simply saving your return does not fulfil your legal obligation to file by the deadline. HMRC only considers your return received once you have completed the submission process.

How to Check Your Return’s Status

• Log in to your HMRC online account: Use your Government Gateway or other authorised credentials to access your Self Assessment dashboard.
• Go to the Self Assessment section: Here, you will see a list of tax returns for the relevant tax years.
• Look for status indicators: Your return will usually be marked as ‘Not started’, ‘In progress’, or ‘Submitted’.
• If your return is listed as ‘In progress’ or ‘Saved’: This means you have saved a draft but not submitted it to HMRC.
• If it says ‘Submitted’: HMRC has received your return and it is filed for that tax year.

What to Do if Your Return Is Saved but Not Submitted

If you find your return is saved but not submitted, you should:

1. Review your return: Check all the information is complete and accurate.
2. Submit the return: Follow the online prompts to officially send your return to HMRC.
3. Submit before the deadline: For online returns, this is usually by 11:59pm on 31 January following the end of the tax year.

Missing the submission deadline can lead to penalties and interest on any tax owed, so it’s important to ensure your return is submitted on time.

Exceptions and Additional Notes

If you register for Self Assessment after 5 October following the end of the tax year, HMRC will send you a letter or email with a different deadline to submit your return, usually within three months of registration. However, you must still pay any tax owed by 31 January to avoid penalties.

If you do not know your exact profit for the whole tax year, you still need to submit a return by the deadline, estimating your income and expenses where necessary. You can update HMRC later if needed.

For paper returns, the deadline for receipt by HMRC is 31 October following the end of the tax year. Paper returns do not have an online status indicator, so you should keep proof of posting to confirm submission.

Summary

To confirm if your Self Assessment return is saved but not submitted, always check your HMRC online account. A saved draft means HMRC has not received your return, and you must submit it before the deadline to avoid penalties. Keep track of your submission status and deadlines to stay compliant.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns. Topic-specific official guidance. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.