HM Revenue and Customs has issued a fresh warning to UK taxpayers after thousands of people reported falling victim to Self Assessment tax scams, as criminals step up efforts ahead of the January filing deadline.
The tax authority said more than 4,800 Self Assessment-related scams have been reported since February 2025, with fraudsters exploiting periods when people expect to hear from HMRC.
Scammers target taxpayers ahead of deadline
HMRC said scammers are using increasingly persuasive and threatening tactics to trick taxpayers into handing over personal and financial information.
Criminals commonly send fake tax demands, bogus penalty notices or messages claiming urgent action is required, pressuring recipients to click on links or respond quickly.
The warning comes as millions of people prepare to submit Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
Sharp rise in HMRC-related scams
In the past 10 months alone, customers have reported more than 135,500 scams linked to HMRC.
Of these, around 29,000 involved fake tax refund claims designed to lure victims into sharing bank details or login information.
HMRC said the scale of the problem highlights how scammers increasingly mimic official government communications to appear legitimate.
January deadline increases risk
The deadline to file Self Assessment tax returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026.
HMRC said fraudsters often intensify activity in the months leading up to the deadline, knowing taxpayers are more likely to expect contact from the department.
Customers are encouraged to file their returns online through GOV.UK and remain cautious of any unexpected messages claiming to be from HMRC.
HMRC urges public to stay vigilant
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said millions of people submit tax returns each year and scammers deliberately exploit this process.
She urged taxpayers to remain alert and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information if contacted unexpectedly by email, text message or phone call.
HMRC advises anyone who receives a suspicious message to report it directly by searching for “report an HMRC scam” on GOV.UK.
Thousands of fake sites shut down
HMRC said it has taken action to disrupt scam operations, shutting down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the past 10 months.
Despite these efforts, the department warned that fraudsters continue to adapt their methods and rely heavily on impersonation tactics.
What HMRC will never do
HMRC reiterated that it will never contact customers in certain ways, stressing that these are clear warning signs of a scam.
The tax authority said it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, ask for personal or financial information via email or text message, or contact customers to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one.
Anyone receiving messages of this nature is advised not to respond and to report the communication immediately.
Ongoing crackdown on tax fraud
The warning forms part of a wider crackdown on tax-related fraud, as HMRC continues to strengthen cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns.
With the Self Assessment deadline approaching, officials say vigilance remains the most effective defence against scams targeting UK taxpayers.
