File a return online

To file a return online, Personal Tax is used to prepare each client's return for submission, validate it and send a copy to the client for approval or for reference. You can then file the return individually, or file multiple returns online at once.

  • Your practice must be registered for HMRC Online Services.
  • Make sure you've entered your HMRC User ID and password. From Tools, choose Online Filing > Online Filing Credentials.

To file online:

  1. Click Return on the toolbar. The Tax Return Viewer opens.

  2. Choose the figures you want to submit from the drop-down list above the Tasks pane.

  3. If you are using the Current working figures, click Generate final return in the Tasks pane.

    If you are using a copy of the return, click Finalise return for submission.

  4. The return will be validated.
    • If there are any data entry warnings, you will be prompted to correct these before continuing.
    • The return is also validated using Filing by Internet rules. Validation errors appear in a pane at the bottom of the previewer area.

    Note: If the return has failed validations, File on Paper will be the only option available. You must correct failed validations in order to file online.

  5. When you're ready to continue, a Finalise Return window appears. Enter a name for this return.
  6. From the Tasks pane, click Start Submission process. The Submissionwizard appears.

  7. Choose File Online.

  8. Click Next. The Send Return to Client page appears. Enter the date you sent, or will send, the return to the client. You can send the return two ways:
    • Click Print Return. The Print window opens. Choose your print options then print the return and send it to your client.

    • 2014 and later: Click Save & Share. The Save & Share window appears. Choose which options to include, then click Save as PDF. Click Email to create a draft email with the selected documents attached as a single PDF. This single document may include the return, the tax calculation, data schedules and appendices.

    • Prior to 2014: Click Save Return as PDF. The Save as PDF window opens. Choose your options then save the return. You can then send the PDF to your client as an email attachment.

  9. Click Next.

    Note: At this stage, you will have sent the return to the client and will be waiting for them to review and sign it. Personal Tax expects you to close this wizard and continue with it when you receive approval from your client.

  10. Click Close.
  1. Click Return on the toolbar. The Tax Return Viewer opens.
  2. Make sure you have the copy of the finalised return selected in the drop-down list above the Tasks pane.

  3. Click Continue submission process. The Submission wizard appears.

    Tip: Make sure you're on the Client Approval page.

  4. Select Yes and enter the date of acceptance.
  5. Click Next. The Ready to File page appears.
  6. Click Close.
  1. Close the Tax Return Viewer by clicking the Close button on the toolbar.

  2. Choose Tools > Online Filing > File Returns. The Online Filing window appears.

    Note: If there are returns available to file from more than one year you'll be able to select and process the earlier years before moving on to the later years.

  3. Select the return to file then click the arrow button to move the return to the Returns to file list.

  4. Click File. Progress bars appear showing the submission status.

  1. Click Return on the toolbar. The Tax Return Viewer opens.

  2. Make sure you have the copy of the finalised return selected in the drop-down list above the Tasks pane.

  3. Click Continue submission process. The Submissionwizard appears.

    Tip: Make sure you're on the HMRC Response page.

  4. Enter the date of the response.
  5. Click Next. The status of the return changes to submitted.
  6. Click Close.

Related content

Make a copy of figures 

Find errors with the return

File a return by paper

Online filing credentials

Special Cases and Exclusions