digging out the paperwork

Accessing Previous Tax Returns

Landlord, mortgage broker or visa asking for an old return? Here’s how to find it on the HMRC site.

“

They’ve asked for my previous tax return (2018/19). I’ve looked all over my government account and can’t find an obvious answer anywhere!

— Abi, moving flat

you’re not alone

Annoyingly simple, once you know how

Old returns are a brilliant way to prove your earnings for each tax year — but actually finding them on the HMRC site is a bit of a treasure hunt. Here’s the path, step by step.

the route

Finding an old return

On the interim page (Covid links and such), scroll down and click “Continue to my account”.

Find “Business tax summary” at the top, then the grey “Self Assessment” box with your UTR number.

Under “Your returns”, click “View Self Assessment return for tax year …” — note these links default to the current due year.

Pick the year you actually want from the drop-down box.

Click “Tax return options”, scroll to “View tax return”, then “View / print / save your return”.

Don’t be disheartened if HMRC logs you out for “security reasons” a few times along the way — it happens to the best of us. Persevere; the return is in there.

keep reading

How to Do Your Tax Return Tax Filing Deadlines

take the drama out of tax

Your tax, sorted.

The tax app built just for performers, creatives and side-hustlers — track your income, expenses and live tax bill in one tidy place, ready for your return.

Start your free trial

10 days free · then just £3.50/month · cancel anytime