Find out what is outstanding
Gather notices, reminders and any previous returns. List the years involved and note what has already been submitted or paid. A clear history helps distinguish an outstanding filing from a payment or correction question.
Rebuild the information
Rebuild the information from income statements, bank records and other available documents. Ask for replacements where appropriate. If a figure is uncertain, make that explicit so it can be considered properly rather than presented as a verified amount.
Self Assessment returnsPrepare a filing sequence
The work may need to cover several periods in sequence. Discuss the records available for each and any current dates that also need attention. Keeping the latest information organised helps prevent new work being added to the backlog.
Deal with follow-on questions
A filing does not automatically settle a separate payment issue or HMRC query. Keep the correspondence together and explain all related concerns. If the overdue return belongs to a company or VAT registration, the business returns page is the appropriate starting point.
overdue business returnsYour questions, answered.
What if I have missed more than one year?
List each year and the documents available. The information can then be reviewed as a connected piece of catch-up work.
Can I submit without every document?
Missing information needs careful consideration. Explain the gaps and seek replacement documents where possible.
Is this page for a late company return?
No. Use the overdue business returns page for company tax or VAT filing questions.