Why Isn’t My Submitted Tax Return Showing on HMRC, and How Can I Resolve Submission Issues?
When submitting your Self Assessment tax return through third-party software like Coconut or GoSimpleTax, you may encounter delays or discrepancies in how your submission appears on your HMRC account. This article explains common reasons for such issues and provides actionable steps to resolve them.
HMRC Processing Timelines
After submitting your tax return, HMRC typically takes up to 72 working hours to process the submission and update your online account. Processing times may be longer during weekends, bank holidays, or peak periods. If your return does not appear immediately, wait at least three working days before checking again.
Verifying Submission Status
To confirm your submission:
Check for a Confirmation Email: Successful submissions are typically confirmed via email. Ensure you have received this email from HMRC or your third-party software.
Review Submission History: In GoSimpleTax, navigate to Settings > Submission History to verify the status of your submission. Look for the Correlation ID, which serves as proof of submission.
Verify the Correct Tax Year: Ensure you are viewing the correct tax year in your HMRC account. For example, a submission for the 2024/25 tax year will not appear under 2025/26.
Resolving Discrepancies Between Software and HMRC
If your tax return shows as submitted in your software but not on HMRC:
Contact HMRC Online Services: Provide your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and the Correlation ID from your software’s submission history. HMRC can use these details to trace your return and update your account.
Check UTR Numbers: Ensure you are using the correct UTR for the type of return submitted. Partnership returns and personal Self Assessment returns use different UTRs. Verify the matching HMRC account for the UTR used during submission.
Handling Errors and Rejections
Common Errors
Submission Rejected as “Already Submitted”: If HMRC indicates that your return was already submitted but you believe otherwise, wait 72 hours and check again. If the issue persists, file an amended return instead of a new original.
Conflicting Submission Messages: If you receive conflicting messages (e.g., HMRC says the submission failed, but the software says it was submitted), wait a week before resubmitting. HMRC may be experiencing processing delays.
Error During Resubmission: Errors during resubmission often indicate that the original submission was successful. Allow three working days for HMRC to process and update their systems.
Next Steps
If HMRC confirms receipt of your return and issues an IR Mark, no further action is required.
If your return still does not appear after several days, contact HMRC with the necessary details to resolve the issue.
Additional Tips for GoSimpleTax Users
Align Payment Figures: If the payment amount in GoSimpleTax differs from HMRC, ensure you’ve entered any payments on account or credits in the software. HMRC may apply credits to reduce the amount displayed as payable.
Complete Submission Steps: Paying for GoSimpleTax does not automatically submit your return. Ensure you complete the submission process within the software and receive a confirmation email.