The requirements for signing a UK self assessment to the HMRC

This article will take a closer look at the requirements when signing your UK personal tax return. Going into depth on the details of what the HMRC deems an acceptable signature, when signing your tax return is necessary and when it is not.

Below is a list of the questions we will answer in this article. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us.

• Where do I sign on the UK personal tax return?

• Who should sign your UK self-assessment?

• How can you appoint someone to sign on your behalf?

Where do I sign on the UK personal tax return?

To start let us clarify where you would sign your personal tax return if required.

The page on the UK tax return that is often required to be signed is found on page 8 of your self-assessment, titled “Signing your form and sending it back”. Download an example of this page here.

Who should sign your UK self-assessment?

Typically you, “the tax filer”, will be the person to sign your self-assessment. However, we also work with clients who have appointed someone else to sign on their behalf.

There are several reasons why this might be done, for instance, disability or being predisposed. However, the HMRC can sometimes reject returns submitted that are not signed by the individual so it is important to follow the proper process when appointing someone to file on your behalf.

It is important to recognise that the HMRC holds the tax filer legally responsible for their taxes, even when someone else has been appointed. There are however options and circumstances where a power of attorney can be appointed.

How can you appoint someone to sign on your behalf?

There are instances where you can elect someone to sign on your behalf. When we have done this for clients it has had to be done alongside a letter supporting why this was the route chosen. There is more information on the different types of authority you can give others on your tax filings on the HMRC website.

If you are what the HMRC deems as mentally fit and over the age of 18, you can elect someone to be your power of attorney. This means that if you become mentally unfit, your power of attorney/s can help make decisions for you. Find out more here.

Can you eSign the UK personal tax return?

eSignatures in both types and digitally signed forms are deemed as acceptable by the HMRC on personal tax returns. Digital photocopies are also accepted by the Inland Revenue.

AdobeSign and DocuSign are two popular softwares used to eSign tax returns.

When am I not required to sign my UK personal tax return?

With online filing, eSigning is not always necessary. As long as proper approval from the tax filer is given, UK tax returns can normally be filed online without a signature being given. Despite this, it is common practice for accountants to ask clients to sign the tax return for extra reassurance that the client is happy with the filing.

If you have any questions in regards to signing or filing your UK personal tax return contact us.