Those of you subcontracting on a CIS Plus or Freelance Plus basis, and possibly some Umbrella Plus employees, will be aware of Self Assessment Tax Returns and that the 31st of January deadline for filing Online is fast approaching. 

For some this can be a stressful time and it is important that you remain vigilant and protect your personal details from e-mail scams, especially those posing as HM Revenue & Customs.

This may be the time of year you expect to hear from HMRC, but think carefully about the information you are being asked for. Organisations like Banks and HMRC would never ask for your log in details so never click on links within suspicious e-mails and never enter your Log In details as part of an e-mail request, for any style of account, including the Crest Plus Secure Members Area.

If you are ever unsure of whether an e-mail is genuine, contact the Organisation directly and express your concerns.

If you receive this style of e-mail stating it is from HMRC you should forward it to them at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or visit the security pages of the HMRC website for more information.

Hopefully all of you required to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return have everything under control and are not feeling under pressure to complete it by the 31st. If you have any questions contact your Accountant and if you do not have one, Crest Plus are able to make available the services of Independent Accountancy Service Providers to individual subcontractors, if you so choose.