Some people might face shortfalls in their endowments however and need to address these

Some people might face shortfalls in their endowments, however, and need to address these. They should contact an independent financial adviser before taking action.As far as house prices are concerned, steady growth is expected. Halifax predicts 4 per cent growth this year, while Nationwide has been slightly more bullish with its forecast of 7 per cent growth, which may turn out to be a little optimistic.Given the wide range of loans on the market, many of which can be tailored to individual needs, it is easy to be overwhelmed by information. But with the variety of research tools available, especially over the internet, it is getting easier to make an informed choice.Now is a good time for buyers; our survey reveals the wealth of options available.. It’s that time of year again, when the dreaded tax return needs to be filled in and sent back to the Inland Revenue, along with any tax you owe. The deadline is looming – 31 January – and if you don’t return your self-assessment form for 1999-2000 before the end of the month, you will face an automatic £100 fine.

Quick and easy online searches for all yourfinance needsIt’s that time of year again, when the dreaded tax return needs to be filled in and sent back to the Inland Revenue, along with any tax you owe. The deadline is looming – 31 January – and if you don’t return your self-assessment form for 1999-2000 before the end of the month, you will face an automatic £100 fine.
Although a significant proportion of the three million people who have not returned their forms will be panicking, there is no real need to yet However, you do need to get a move on. You might still be able to get an accountant or tax adviser to process your return – but that’s a bit of a long shot.Most accountants need more notice than a couple of weeks, but if you’re lucky you might just find one. The best way to do this is by personal recommendation from a friend or colleague; failing that, you can get a list of local accountants from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.If you are resigned to doing the work yourself, the first step is to ensure that you have all the pages you need. Everyone gets an eight-page tax return along with supplementary pages, according to what the Revenue thinks you need, depending on your circumstances.For example, if you did some freelance work and don’t have the self-employment pages, get in touch with the Revenue. You should also have received a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the return and a guide on how to calculate your tax.If you haven’t received a tax return, it is probably because you don’t need to complete one. Most people don’t get a tax return as they pay their income tax and national insurance at source, and have no extra income such as rent from letting a second property.Once you have the forms you require, you need to collect together the paperwork which will help you fill them in.

You need a P60 from your employer showing how much you have earned and how much tax you have paid. And you need a form P11D, detailing any taxable benefits you receive such as company car or health insurance.You need information on your investments, dividend vouchers of any shares you own, plus interest certificates from any bank or building society savings accounts. If anything is missing, you will need to get a replacement from your employer, bank or building society.If you are self-employed or have income from freelancing, you will require a lot more information. You will need all your accounts and expense records to set against your earnings. Those who let property will need details of rent received plus outgoings for repairs and maintenance.Once you have everything you require, it is time to work out the tax you owe.

It helps to go through the form in pencil first, filling the boxes in with pen once you are sure you have the right numbers. You’ll need a calculator – and a cup or two of strong coffee.It can be daunting, particularly if you have never completed a return before or aren’t confident about your maths. But unless your returns are complicated, you should be able to calculate the tax you owe by yourself, with help from the Revenue if you need it.The Revenue should be your first port of call if you don’t have an adviser. Call your local office (the number is on the top of your form) if you have a query. Alternatively you could try a tax advice office (number in the Yellow Pages) or if it is outside office hours, you could try the Revenue’s own helpline.The Revenue has a helpful website which should answer your queries. If you want to file your return electronically you can register with the Revenue online. You will then be sent a user ID through the post which should take up to seven days after registration to arrive.