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There are a number of reasons that HMRC expect you to complete a tax return, the main one being they know you have received income that you need to tell them about and maybe pay tax on. Here’s why you need to complete a tax return and what you need to do if you think you shouldn’t be doing one.

Completing your tax return will be quicker and easier if you get everything you’ll need ready before you get started.

Here’s how to find your tax return online, in case you are not sure if you have the right form in front of you or are unsure where you need to find it.

The “Tell Us About You” section contains your personal details. This section is your chance to check HMRC have the right information about you and make any corrections necessary.

The “Tailor Your Return” Section is made up of three pages. It allows HMRC to get to know you and lets you remove sections of the tax return that are not relevant to you.

 The “Fill in your Return” screen contains a list of the sections that you need to complete. The sections included will vary person to person, depending on which parts of the tax return they need to fill out.

You should fill in the Employment page if you were employed, either full-time, part-time or casual basis. You also need to fill it out if you received income as a Company Director or held an office. Fill out a separate employment section for each job, directorship or office you hold.

You only need to complete the self-employment section if it applies to you. That’s reasons like you work for yourself, are a sub-contractor under the CIS scheme or a registered Foster Carer.

If you are self-employed, you’ll be presented with the Class 2 National Insurance Contributions page of your tax return.

A step by step guide for Self-Employed Foster Carers to completing the self-assessment tax return, working out taxable income and claiming all the tax allowances they are entitled to.

If you earn more than £50,000 a year and claim child benefit, then you may need to pay some or even all of it back, with a self-assessment tax return.

This section confirms details of any underpaid tax that has been collected through your PAYE code if you were employed by someone.

If you think you have paid too much tax and are due a refund, then you’ll need to let HMRC know where to send the money to.

If you are submitting your tax return before 30 December and are employed you can elect to pay any outstanding tax through your PAYE code.

In specific circumstances you can increase or decrease the amount of tax that is due on your tax return, changing how much tax you pay.

If you need to let HMRC know any other information about your tax return and the figures you have used, then you need to enter it here.

You’re nearly at the endpoint. You’ve completed your tax return but now is your chance to check it and review your tax calculation.

Everything is complete but keeping a copy of your tax return is advisable.

It’s the final step, to submit your tax return to HMRC.