Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 23 January (HL1648), whether they will provide forecasts of the number of people that His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs expect to fill in tax returns in each of the next five years.

HMRC does not hold an estimate for numbers of taxpayers likely to file a Self Assessment return for the next five years. This is because over time, the size of the Self Assessment population will vary due to changes in tax legislation, operational decisions and economic factors.

Each year, following the filing deadline for Self Assessment returns, HMRC conducts analysis to forecast the likely number of Self Assessment filers in the forthcoming year and the likely impact on demand for its services. HMRC has not yet made this forecast for next year.

For taxpayers who are employees, HMRC commonly adjusts their PAYE tax code to collect extra amounts of income tax due. HMRC may also be able to use Simple Assessment to collect tax. Both methods save taxpayers from the need to complete a tax return.