Let's be honest, for UK sole traders and Limited Company directors, "Tax Season" is less a time of year and more of a dreaded event. It's the annual gauntlet run where you feel like you're juggling a dozen flaming tax obligations, and if you drop one, HMRC is waiting with a fine!

The stress of filing is only the beginning. Then comes the anxiety-inducing wait: Did they get it? Did they process it correctly? If you've ever had the "joy" of calling the HMRC tax helpline, you know seeking peace of mind through official channels can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail.

That's why knowing how to quickly check if your tax return has been processed isn't just helpful, it's essential for maintaining your sanity!

Stop holding your breath. We're here to cut through the complexity. In this guide, we will walk you through the clear steps you need to stay informed, avoid unnecessary panic, and make tax management as painless as possible. Let's unravel this process together! We’ll also explain what happens after you submit your return, what the different stages mean, and what to do if your tax calculation/ refund/ Self Assessment doesn’t quite look as expected.

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Understanding tax return processing times

For sole traders in the UK, submitting a tax return is a fundamental aspect of managing your finances. Once you've submitted your return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the waiting game begins and we need to understand how long does a tax return take?. Generally, HMRC aims to process your tax return within:

Online Submissions: HMRC says you cannot view your tax calculation for up to 72 hours after submitting your return. HMRC's published guidance also says online returns are generally processed within two weeks, although individual cases can take longer.

Paper Submissions: These can take significantly longer, often around 8 to 10 weeks. It's worth noting that processing times may extend during the busy period following the Self Assessment deadline in January.

Keep in mind, these are approximate timescales. The actual time can vary based on the complexity of your return or if HMRC requires further information. 

It's also important to consider seasonal fluctuations. Processing times tend to increase around the deadline due to the high volume of submissions.

What happens after you submit your tax return?

Submitting your return and HMRC processing it aren’t necessarily the same thing. So while you might love to think that the tax return you slaved over is seen immediately, it’s often a few separate stages. 

1. You submit your tax return

You’ve completed the return and sent it to HMRC. If you’ve filed online, you should receive confirmation that it has been submitted. It’s always best to keep this confirmation until you’re confident everything has been processed.

2. HMRC receives and processes the return

HMRC’s systems need to process the information and do the necessary checks on it. You won’t likely see your final tax calculation immediately.

3. Your tax calculation becomes available

Once available, your tax calculation shows how HMRC has worked out your tax liability, including:

• Your taxable income.
• Allowances.
• And the amount due for the year.

HMRC advises that you may need to wait up to 72 hours after submitting an online return to view the calculation online. Longer during peak periods.

4. Your Self Assessment statement shows what you need to pay

Your tax calculation and your Self Assessment statement aren’t quite the same thing. Surprised? Yeah, quite a few of those new to the self-employment world say the same. Your calculation explains how your tax has been worked out, while your statement shows how much you currently owe. The statement takes into account relevant payments and other amounts on your account.

5. You deal with any refund or payment due

If you’re due a refund (lucky you!), you can check the repayment information through your HMRC account. If you’re like the majority who owe tax, you need to make sure you check your current balance and payment deadline rather than relying solely on the tax calculation.

So if you’ve only just submitted your return online and can’t immediately see your calculation, relax, it doesn’t necessarily mean something has gone wrong.  But what if you've waited, logged back into your account and something still doesn't look right? That's where things get a little more complicated.

What does ‘processed’ actually mean?

If you’re asking whether HMRC has “processed” your tax return, you’re essentially checking whether HMRC has received your return and processed the information so your tax calculation and Self Assessment account can be updated. There isn’t necessarily one big “processed successfully” message that answers everything. Instead, there are several things you can check in your account.

For example, once your tax calculation is available, this is a good indication that HMRC has processed the information needed to calculate your tax. Your Self Assessment statement can then show your current balance and what you need to pay.

So rather than waiting for a particular status to appear, it's often more useful to ask:

• Can I see my submitted return?
• Can I see my tax calculation?
• Has my Self Assessment statement updated?
• Does the amount I owe or am due match what I expected?
• Has HMRC sent me any messages or asked for more information?

If these are all showing as expected, your return is likely progressing normally. If something is missing, hasn’t updated, or doesn’t match what you expected, our troubleshooting section below can help you work out what to do next.

How to check your tax return status

The process to check the status of your tax return and/or if it has been received can be straightforward if you know where to look. Here’s how you can do it:

Online through HMRC

1. Access HMRC's Online Services‍

Start by visiting the HMRC website. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to register for a Government Gateway account, which is essential for accessing your tax information.

2. Log In:

Once your account is set up, log in with your credentials. Navigate to the Self Assessment section to view your current tax return status.

3. Check Your Account

Rather than looking for one specific "processed" message, check the information available in your Self Assessment account. Depending on where you are in the process, you may be able to see your submitted return, tax calculation, statement, balance and other Self Assessment information.

If you're looking for your tax calculation, HMRC says you won't be able to view it for up to 72 hours after submitting an online return.

Via the HMRC app

1. Download the App:

HMRC offers a mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices. Download it from your app store.

2. Log In:

Use your Government Gateway credentials to log in. If you’re a new user, the app will guide you through the registration process.

3. View Your Tax Return Status:

Within the app, navigate to the Self Assessment section. Here, you'll find details on the processing status of your tax return.

Contacting HMRC directly

If you prefer a more direct approach or if the online options don’t provide the answers you need:

1. Prepare Your Information

‍Have your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number and any relevant personal details ready.

2. Call the Self Assessment Helpline

‍HMRC provides a dedicated line for Self Assessment queries. Be aware that call volumes can be high, especially close to the tax deadline, so try calling at less busy times if possible.

3. Follow the Guidance

‍The HMRC representative will guide you through the process of checking your tax return status over the phone.

By using these methods, it should be relatively easy to check the status of your tax return and stay updated as you work through yearly filing responsibilities. 

Before calling, it's worth checking your online account carefully. In many cases, your tax calculation, statement or account information can tell you more quickly whether your return has been received and what you currently owe.

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What to do after your tax return has been processed

Once HMRC has processed your tax return, it’s important to know the next steps. Whether you’re due a refund, owe tax, or are just preparing for the next financial year, here’s what you should do:

If you're due a refund:

Wait for notification: HMRC will inform you about your refund through your chosen communication method (email or post). This notification will detail the amount and the expected timeframe for the refund.

Check your bank account: Refunds are typically processed directly to your bank account. Ensure your bank details with HMRC are up-to-date to avoid delays.

If you owe tax:

Review your payment deadline: The notification from HMRC will specify how much you owe and the due date for payment. Ensure you’re aware of the deadlines to avoid any late payment penalties.

Explore payment options: HMRC offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, debit card, and Direct Debit. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you and make sure to pay before the deadline.

Staying informed

Check for changes: Tax laws and regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed. HMRC’s website and newsletters are great resources for the latest tax information.

Seek advice if needed: If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Resources like Crunch offer valuable advice and support tailored to sole traders.

Understanding what to do after your tax return has been processed ensures you remain compliant with tax regulations and well-prepared for the future. 

This proactive approach helps manage your tax obligations effectively and keeps financial surprises to a minimum.

FAQs on checking your tax return status

Something doesn't look right? Don't panic. Here are some of the most common questions people have after submitting their Self Assessment, including what to do if your return is delayed, your figures haven't updated or you need to correct a mistake.

How do I know if there's a problem with my tax return?

HMRC will contact you either through your online account or via mail if there's an issue with your tax return, such as missing information or discrepancies.

However, you don't need to wait for HMRC to contact you before checking what's happening. If your return doesn't seem to have been processed, first check your submission confirmation, tax calculation, Self Assessment statement and any messages from HMRC. If HMRC has asked you for additional information, make sure you respond by the deadline they've given you.

My tax return is taking longer than expected - what should I do?

First, check how long ago you’ve submitted it. Although HMRC say you need to wait up to 72 hours before your tax calculation becomes available with them fully being processed within two weeks, some can take longer. Time of year for example makes a major difference. 

If you’re beyond the expected processing time though, there are a few checks you can do before contacting HMRC. First, check that your return was successfully submitted and that you’re looking at the correct tax year. Occasionally, HMRC may have asked you for more information and this could be a reason why your tax return hasn’t been processed yet. 

If everything looks ok, but your Self Assessment still hasn’t been processed, contact HMRC with your UTR and submission details.

How can I correct a mistake on my tax return after it's been submitted?

You can make amendments to your tax return within 12 months of the submission deadline by logging into your HMRC account and following the prompts to amend your return. If you've filed online, HMRC says you must wait 72 hours after submitting your return before making an amendment. If you've recently amended your return, give HMRC time to process the change before assuming something has gone wrong.

Do I need to file a tax return if HMRC hasn’t contacted me?

Yes, it’s your responsibility to determine if you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. Even if HMRC hasn’t reached out to you, you may still need to file a return.

This could be necessary if you:

• Are self-employed with gross income exceeding £1,000.
• Earned less than £1,000 but want to voluntarily pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.
• Are a new partner in a business partnership.
• Earn over £150,000 a year in taxable income.
• Receive Child Benefit payments and you or your partner’s income is over £60,000 and requires paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge. 

If you’re not sure whether you need to file or not, you can use HMRC’s free tool to check.

Do I have to pay my tax bill when I file my Self Assessment tax return?

No, even if someone filed in October, the deadline to pay any tax owed is 31st of January. However, you can set up a Budget Payment Plan to spread the costs of your tax bill through regular payments which can help you manage your finances better.

Do I need to file a tax return for selling personal items online?

You might have heard a lot of people speculating online that HMRC has launched a crackdown on people selling their possessions online, but the tax rules have not changed. If you’re only getting rid of old personal items that you no longer want on online marketplaces then you don’t need to file a tax return. If you need further guidance, make sure you reach out to HMRC directly. 

Want your Self Assessment questions answered? Be sure to check out our ultimate Self Assessment tax return guide here.

Why does my tax calculation say one thing but my Self Assessment balance another?

Your tax calculation and Self Assessment statement serve different purposes. Your tax calculation shows how HMRC has worked out your tax liability, while your statement shows your current position with HMRC. Therefore, it can include other amounts such as Payment on Account or previous outstanding balances. If the figures don’t match what you expected, it’s best to check both before assuming it’s an error.

Hopefully this guide has given you a better understanding of how HMRC processes tax returns. If you follow the instructions in this guide then your self assessment experience should be a smooth one. 

Just allow enough time and patience to go through the steps and assess all the information accurately. And be proactive and call HMRC if you need direct help. 

Believe it or not they do resolve the vast majority issues eventually, albeit slowly but surely. 

If you want totally stress-free tax filing and ultimate peace of mind, try Crunch’s Self Assessment service, to get your entire tax return done for you by expert accountants.

Want more self-employed tips and strategies?

For more valuable insights and resources tailored for business owners and the self-employed, be sure to explore our Knowledge section. It’s packed with articles, tips, and strategies to help you thrive in your professional journey. From how to make money writing online and bookkeeping tips to the best passive income ideas for beginners, we've got you covered!