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You need to keep records if you have to send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) a Self Assessment tax return.
You’ll need your records to fill in your tax return correctly. If HMRC checks your tax return, they may ask for the documents.
You must also keep records for business income and outgoings if you’re self-employed.
There are no rules on how you must keep records. You can keep them on paper, digitally or as part of a software program (like book-keeping software).
HMRC can charge you a penalty if your records are not accurate, complete and readable.
Try to get copies of as much as you can, for example ask banks for copies of statements or suppliers for duplicate invoices.
You can use ‘provisional’ or ‘estimated’ figures if you cannot recreate all your records. You must use the ‘Any other information’ box on the tax return to say that this is what you’re doing.
‘Provisional’ means you’ll be able to get paperwork to confirm your figures later. ‘Estimated’ means you will not be able to confirm the figures.
You may have to pay interest and penalties if your figures turn out to be wrong and you have not paid enough tax.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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