The clock is ticking for submitting self assessment returns online for tax year 2015-16 (6th April 2015 to 5th April 2016).

Maybe you are an old hand at this. You’re paperwork is super organised, you have all the key deadlines fixed in your mind and you submitted your return months ago.  Well done, you have my admiration.  You can relax, spending the rest of the month in a blissful state of contentment.

But, perhaps you are like many other people. The image of the tax man with an imaginary clock is striking fear in your heart and keeping you awake at night?

Tick: You know you need to complete your return.

Tock: But, your not sure when.

Tick: You feel paralysed with fear because you’re worried you don’t know what your doing.

Here’s a piece of advise I was given once, which can be applied to almost any aspect of your life:

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by putting everything running around your head on paper. Yes, I admit I love a good ‘To Do’ list. Then look at the list and see which item on the list worries/scares you the most.

Here’s the magic – do that thing first. Yes you heard me, it might sound counter intuitive to you, or maybe even crazy, but trust me.

Don’t put it off, the feeling of achievement and relief when it’s done will be worth it. Always try and remember:

• Taking control of something, instead of letting it controlling you, feels good.
• Fear feels worse than failure.

So if completing your self assessment form is worrying you. Here’s a brief synopsis of what you need to know:

If you are intending to file your self assessment return online than the deadline, for submission and payment of any due taxes is Midnight on 31st Jan 2017 – or you will face a fine. You’ll get a penalty of £100 if your tax return is up to 3 months late. You’ll have to pay even more if it’s later than 3 months. To estimate how much penalty you will pay in this instance, you can visit:

https://www.gov.uk/estimate-self-assessment-penalties

To submit your return online you will need:

• A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). This is a 10-digit number, which you should have be sent automatically when you register for self assessment, or setup a limited company.
• To have enrolled for the online service.
• To have activated the service using the code HMRC issue you via the post.

More help and details on self assessment can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns

Or, if you’re still confused. Get professional help, that’s why it exists. Because people like us, are here to help people like you.