HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to taxpayers and small businesses after thousands of Self Assessment-related scams were reported in the run-up to the January filing deadline.
Since February 2025, more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been flagged to HMRC, with fraudsters using persuasive and threatening messages to pressure victims into handing over personal or financial information. In total, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams over the past 10 months, including around 29,000 fake tax refund claims.
HMRC said scammers typically send fake tax demands or refund notifications by email, text message or phone call, designed to look authentic and timed to coincide with peak Self Assessment activity.
The deadline to file Self Assessment returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024–25 tax year is 31 January 2026. Returns can be submitted online via GOV.UK.
“Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out,” Lucy Pike, HMRC’s chief security officer, said.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC.”
HMRC said it has taken swift action to disrupt criminal activity, closing down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months.
The tax authority reiterated that it will never ask for personal or financial details via email or text message, nor threaten arrest or demand immediate payment in this way.
Anyone who receives suspicious communication claiming to be from HMRC can:
- Forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Forward suspicious text messages to 60599
- Report scam phone calls via GOV.UK
HMRC is also reminding taxpayers that genuine tax refunds can only be claimed securely through an HMRC online account or the free HMRC app.
Find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.