LEADING accountancy firm, JF Hornby & Co, has urged anyone required to submit a Self Assessment Tax Return to be vigilant of fraudsters.
More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, according to new data released by HMRC.
And with activity expected to peak ahead of the January 31 submission deadline, extreme caution is being urged.
Managing Director of JF Hornby & Co, Paul Hornby, said: “We take away the pain of tax returns for thousands of sole traders, company directors and others who fall under HMRC’s regime.
“But what we cannot do is protect them from unsolicited contact from unscrupulous operators who will stop at nothing to line their pockets with ill-gotten gains.
“That’s why we are urging everyone – whether a client of ours or not – to be highly vigilant of any communication linked to tax returns.
“Scam activity rises sharply at this time of year, so please remember HMRC will never ask for personal information or demand immediate payment by email or text.
The tax authority has warned that criminals are using increasingly persuasive – and in some cases threatening – tactics to target individuals at a time when they are more likely to receive legitimate correspondence about their tax return.
Fraudsters are sending fake demands for payment or attempting to pressurise people into handing over sensitive personal information.
Over the last 10 months alone, taxpayers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC‑related scams. This includes around 29,000 attempts referencing bogus tax refund claims.
The deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024/25 tax year is 31 January 2026.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“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. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
