HMRC has urged Brits to stay vigilant after receiving reports of 4,800 tax return scams. The payments and customs authority raised the alarm ahead of the January deadline for self-assessment tax returns, warning that scammers are more likely to target people at times when HMRC normally contacts them.

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.”

HMRC has urged people to look out for the following telltale signs of a scam:

• Voicemails threatening legal action or arrest.
• Anyone asking for personal or financial information via text message or email.
• Text messages, phone calls or emails telling you about a refund or asking you to claim one.

They also recommend using a range of different passwords, which will make criminals less likely to target you, and not to trust phone numbers or caller IDs, which can be easily faked.

Scammers often try to trick people into handing over personal information, such as National Insurance or passport numbers, or into giving money by impersonating HMRC staff.

HMRC received reports of more than 135,500 scams this year, including 29,000 relating to fake tax refund claims.

If you suspect a scam, forward emails to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. HMRC says it has shut down almost 25,000 fake phone numbers and websites over the past 10 months.

People need to file a self-assessment tax return if they’re newly self-employed or had extra income last year. The deadline to submit it online is January 31, 2026.

Most people have taxes automatically deducted from their wages and pensions and can skip self-assessment. However, millions who are self-employed, earn over £1,000 from property or land, or earn upwards of £10,000 from investments and savings need to file their own tax return before February.