HM REVENUE and Customs (HMRC) is urging first-time Self Assessment (SA) filers who haven’t sent in their returns to register for its online services now.

Around one million people in the South West have to file a Self Assessment return, including 88,000 in Swindon.

It’s easy to register – just visit www.gov.uk/how-to-send-self-assessment-online/sign-up-for-an-online-account and follow the instructions. Registration can take up to seven working days to complete, as it involves HMRC sending you an activation code in the post. It’s therefore important not to leave this to the last minute, to avoid being in a rush to beat the January 31 filing deadline.

SA online customers can now opt to receive HMRC communications electronically, rather than via traditional print and post channels. This is a new service that will make the SA process paperless.