+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


Where is the economy heading, and can enterprise change the story?

When I look at the latest economic commentary and data, my honest feeling is that the economy is in a strange place right now. It is not collapsing, but it is hardly thriving either. Growth has been slow, confidence feels fra...

Click here to view this blog post


Download our Spring Statement 2026 summary: the essentials, clearly explained

Want the Spring Statement 2026 without the noise? This blog post explains what changed, what didn't, and why the forecasts matter. You can also download our summary and keep a simple reference of what the chancellor announced...

Click here to view this blog post


Companies House says presenter requirements are now delayed until November

Companies House presenter requirements have slipped from Spring to November 2026. That gives directors, PSCs, and company agents more breathing space on identity checks and ACSP registration. Use the delay to get systems, rol...

Click here to view this blog post


How higher taxes delivered a record government surplus in January

The record government surplus in January came from higher tax receipts, rather than lower public spending. It looks like a strong month, yet public finances still depend on growth staying on track. Here are my thoughts about ...

Click here to view this blog post


What does the duty on electric cars in 2028 mean for drivers?

Wondering how the duty on electric cars will actually be charged from 2028? It's a mileage-based levy tied into the existing DVLA system, with estimates up front and a true-up later. Here's the practical shape of it, without ...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC's final MTD nudge letters: what self-assessment taxpayers should do now

HMRC is issuing MTD nudge letters based on 2024/25 returns, and some may arrive in late March. If your income tops £50,000, action may be needed even without a letter. If you receive one, read it, confirm your status, then si...

Click here to view this blog post


Planning ahead for the 2026 tax year-end: Practical moves for tax payers

Here's a useful run-through of what to review before the tax year-end on the 5th of April 2026. It covers business allowances, dividend changes, ISA tweaks and upcoming property surcharges. Think of it as a quick nudge to pla...

Click here to view this blog post


Why the HMRC self-assessment tax return deadline keeps catching people out

About a million people missed the HMRC self-assessment tax return deadline, and the knock-on costs can really add up. My blog post this week walks through why it happens, what HMRC fines can follow, and the smartest next step...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why ''It's Always Worked Before'' Can Break Hospitality IT Overnight

Posted by Andrew Parker on https://blog.wolvertonsolutions.com

If ''it's always worked before'' is the plan, hospitality IT is already on borrowed time. Demand grows, updates shift, and hardware fades quietly unti ...

Click here to view this blog post


Do You Test Your Email Systems Regularly?

Posted by Pritesh Ganatra on https://blog.btsuk.net

I recently sent an email to someone I had previously corresponded with. When I got a bounce-back, I thought I had the wrong address or made a typo. I ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why a small business CRM matters more than ever, and how YourPCM is a practical solution

Posted by Your PCM on https://www.yourpcm.uk

Running a small business has never been simple. Owners and founders often wear multiple hats, managing customers, following up on leads, sending email ...

Click here to view this blog post


Bookkeeping Buddy: Why DIY Bookkeeping Doesn't Mean Doing It Alone

Posted by Alison Mead on https://blog.siliconbullet.com

Many small business owners attempt DIY bookkeeping to save costs and maintain control. Yet, this path can be daunting. Learn how you can manage your f ...

© 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.