+44 (0) 1908 774320
   
Roger Eddowes

Essendon Accounts & Tax

Home of the Business Godparent ...

Why you should check simple assessments for accuracy

Roger Eddowes

CREATED BY ROGER EDDOWES

Published: 03/11/2025 @ 09:00AM

#checksimpleassessments #UKtax #HMRC #selfassessment #incometax #taxbill

Here's why you should check simple assessments and how to do it with confidence. Spot errors, fix them fast, and avoid overpaying. You'll know when to contact HMRC and what to do next ...

Check simple assessments, Measure your understanding, Path to progress is clear

Check simple assessments, Measure your understanding, Path to progress is clear

When a simple assessment lands, treat it as a starting point, not the final word, and remember to check simple assessments carefully so you don't pay more than you should. You're not alone if you've received one lately.

HMRC has been issuing many more due to frozen allowances, rising interest rates and state pension increases. A simple assessment is a way to collect income tax without putting you into self-assessment, often for state pension or bank and building society interest, but the numbers can be wrong.

What goes wrong is usually simple!

Old estimates roll forward, bank interest is incomplete, or allowances are misapplied. Interest can be taxed differently depending on your personal allowance, the personal savings allowance, and the starting rate for savings, so it pays to check simple assessments against your actual bank statements and DWP letters, using HMRC's guidance and calculator to sanity‑check the outcome.

Your best move is to compare every line with your records and confirm that any gift aid, pension contributions and benefits are current, not historic. If something doesn't add up, call or write to HMRC within 60 days and explain clearly what needs changing.

When you check simple assessments promptly, corrections are typically straightforward.

If you receive more than one letter for the same year, don't panic. The latter one usually shows the total tax payable, including amounts you may already have paid, so you should deduct earlier payments before settling the balance; it's another reason to check simple assessments line by line rather than paying twice.

Occasionally, letters go to people who are
already in self-assessment!

If that's you, ask HMRC to withdraw the simple assessment so you only report and pay once. Keep copies of everything so your position is crystal clear if queries arise. Timing matters for your tax bill. If your 2024/25 letter was issued by 31 October 2025, payment is due by 31 January 2026; letters issued after that give you three months to pay.

If cash flow is tight, you can apply online for a Time to Pay arrangement on a simple assessment, which can ease pressure without the anxiety of penalties. It's another good reason to check simple assessments early so you have options.

When you methodically check simple assessments, you turn a one‑way calculation into a fair, accurate outcome, and you only pay the income tax you truly owe.

Ultimately, a careful check protects your wallet and your peace of mind.

Until next time ...


ROGER EDDOWES
Join our mailing list! Click here and be one of the first to know when we publish a new blog post!


Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about why you should always check simple assessments, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.

Don't forget to stay updated with our daily social media posts on Facebook.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#checksimpleassessments #UKtax #HMRC #selfassessment #incometax #taxbill

About Roger Eddowes ...

Roger Eddowes 

Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.

Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


Business tax changes: what employers need to know

The Autumn Budget 2026 business tax changes, announced by Chancellor John Healey on 28th October, include several measures affecting employers, small businesses and self-employed people. From mileage allowances and business r...

Click here to view this blog post


Rising interest rates: a necessary evil or another unwelcome cost for business?

The Bank of England's latest decision to increase the base rate to 4% has put rising interest rates for small businesses back in the spotlight. For business owners already dealing with higher energy bills, wages, and operatin...

Click here to view this blog post


Autumn Budget 2026: property and savings tax changes

With the Autumn Budget now behind us, attention is turning to what the announcements will mean in practice. Among the measures worth a closer look are the property and savings tax changes, which affect landlords, savers and a...

Click here to view this blog post


Autumn Budget 2026: breathing space for businesses, but is it enough?

The Autumn Budget 2026 has given businesses something they have been hoping for: a little breathing space. After a difficult period of rising costs, tax pressures, and economic uncertainty, the Chancellor's latest announcemen...

Click here to view this blog post


Get our Autumn Budget 2026 summary

The economic backdrop for the Autumn Budget 2026 remains challenging. Rising inflation, energy costs and borrowing pressures continue to strain public finances. Chancellor John Healey faces difficult decisions on taxation and...

Click here to view this blog post


Autumn Budget 2026 predictions: Why planning ahead matters more than guessing tax changes

With the Autumn Budget happening on 28th October 2026, speculation about possible tax changes is gathering pace. From business taxation to pensions and personal finances, the Budget predictions are giving people plenty to thi...

Click here to view this blog post


Inheritance Tax on pensions: What the 2027 rules mean for your family

The rules surrounding Inheritance Tax on pensions are changing in 2027, and anyone hoping to leave their pension savings to loved ones should be aware of what lies ahead ......

Click here to view this blog post


The 60% Tax Trap: Why Earning More Could Leave You Worse Off

Most people assume that earning more means taking home more money. Unfortunately, the 60% tax trap reminds us that the UK tax system isn't always straightforward. For higher earners approaching £100,000, a pay rise or bonus c...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why I created YourPING: A simple daily reassurance check-in service

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.yourping.uk

YourPING started with a very simple idea: what if there was an easy daily reassurance check-in that let someone know you were OK, without requiring an ...

Click here to view this blog post


Seven signs you need a career change and what to do next

Posted by Dave Cordle on https://blog.davecordle.co.uk

Recognising the signs that you need a career change isn't always straightforward. Most people experience occasional frustration at work, but when diss ...

Click here to view this blog post


When it takes a village, YourPING Group Mode makes it easy

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.yourping.uk

Supporting people who live independently is one of the most rewarding jobs a charity or community organisation can do, but it also comes with big chal ...

Click here to view this blog post


The admin behind being a landlord: what you need to keep on top of

Posted by Sarah Hannaford on https://blog.sarahpasolutions.co.uk

Being a landlord involves much more than collecting rent and arranging the occasional repair. Behind every well-managed rental property is a collectio ...

© 2026 by Roger Eddowes

All rights reserved



All content on this blog, including but not limited to text, images, videos and audio, is protected by copyright. No part of this blog may be reproduced, copied, distributed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of the author. Unauthorised use constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights.

Please note that many elements of this blog have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As such, content may not always reflect verified facts or professional advice. The information provided is for general interest only and should not be relied upon as a sole source for making decisions, financial or otherwise. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent advice from qualified professionals appropriate to their country and situation.

The author of this blog, YourPCM Limited, and its directors, employees, and authorised agents accept no liability for any loss, harm, or consequence arising from the use or interpretation of content found on this site.

The sblogit.com platform is provided on an “as is” basis. By continuing to view or interact with this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms. If you do not agree with any part of this notice, please cease using this site immediately.

YourPCM Limited is a company registered in the UK and operates exclusively under the jurisdiction of the laws of England and Wales.