The most common reasons for needing to fill in a tax return are listed below.
If you're self-employed (including being a member of a partnership) a company director (unless you're a director of a non-profit organisation, e.g. a charity, and don't receive any payments or benefits), a minister of religion (any faith), a Lloyds name or a member of Lloyds you always have to complete a return.
Income above a certain level from savings, investment or property
If you don't already complete a tax return, you'll need to do so if you receive any of the following:
· £10,000 or more income from savings and investments
· £2,500 or more income from untaxed savings and investments
· £10,000 or more income from property (before deducting allowable expenses)
· £2,500 or more income from property (after deducting allowable expenses)
· annual trust or settlement income on which tax is still due (even if you’re only treated as receiving this income)
· income from the estate of a deceased person on which tax is still due
You're 65 and receive a reduced age-related allowance
If you receive a reduced age-related allowance because you're 65 but your income is over a certain level (£24,000 for the 2011-12 tax year), you'll need to complete a tax return.
If HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) asks you to complete a tax return for any other reason (this will normally to be to make sure that you're paying the right tax and getting the right allowances) you must always do so.