More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported to HM Revenue and Customs since February 2025, prompting a fresh warning as the annual tax deadline approaches.
HMRC says the reports form part of a wider surge in fraudulent activity, with more than 135,500 suspected HMRC related scams reported in the past 10 months.
Of those reports, around 29,000 involved fake tax refund claims designed to trick people into handing over personal or financial information.
HMRC says scammers often intensify their activity at times when people expect to hear from the tax authority.
Fraudsters commonly send emails, text messages or make phone calls claiming urgent action is required, using threatening language or false tax demands to pressure victims.
With the Self Assessment deadline approaching, HMRC is urging people to be especially vigilant and to take time to check whether any message claiming to be from HMRC is genuine.
The deadline to file Self Assessment returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026.
HMRC says customers can file their return securely online through GOV.UK.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said scammers deliberately mimic official communications to catch people off guard.
“Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out,” she said.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information report it directly to HMRC.”
HMRC says it has taken significant action to disrupt scam activity.
In the past 10 months alone, the department has shut down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers linked to fraudulent activity.
The tax authority is also reminding customers of what it will never do.
HMRC says it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest.
It will never ask for personal or financial information by email or text message.
It will also never contact customers by email, text or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one.
Anyone who receives a suspicious email claiming to be from HMRC is advised to forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Suspicious text messages can be sent to 60599.
Phone calls that appear to mimic HMRC can be reported through GOV.UK.
Find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.
HMRC says reporting scams helps protect others by allowing fraudulent websites, numbers and messages to be shut down more quickly.
As the Self Assessment deadline draws closer, the tax authority is urging people not to rush, stay alert, and take a moment to verify any unexpected contact before responding.
