Completing tax return worse than a trip to the dentist

With the deadline for filing online tax returns just a week away Which? research has found that four in ten people (38%) dread filling in their tax return more than a trip to the dentist.

A new Which? survey of people who fill in a self-assessment tax return also revealed that some would rather change a nappy (50%), unblock a drain (35%) or clean a filthy oven (34%) than tackle their tax return.

Three quarters of people also told us that it takes up to three hours to complete their tax return (75%), while one in ten (10%) said it takes more than 3 hours. Around one in ten (12%) also say they are not confident they are paying the right amount of tax.

Over 10 million people submit a self-assessment tax return to HMRC each year and could face an automatic £100 fine if they don’t complete their return by the 31st January deadline, which will increase the longer the delay.  Our free income tax calculator  makes it easier to see how much you owe, while helping to decipher financial jargon at the same time.

Which? Money editor Harry Rose said:

“People understandably find the prospect of grappling with lengthy, complex forms with confusing jargon really off-putting, and some delay completing their tax return despite the penalties. Our free-to-use online tax calculator will help make completing a tax return less taxing.”

The Which? Consumer Rights website has more advice on completing an online tax return, including information on whether you are able to appeal against a fine if you’ve missed the self-assessment deadline

 Notes to editors:

 1.    Data is based on an online survey from January 2016, with 502 respondents from the general public. All participants in the survey had filled in a self-assessment tax return previously.

Press Release: , ,