Make sure you follow the rules of the exam. Work to the nearest pound throughout, apart from calculating your actual tax bill when Hector wants the last penny from you.
You can, incidentally, pour yourself a stiff drink at this point.
But don't touch it. Ask your spouse/partner/flatmate/neighbour to guard it until you have done the return.
Ask your spouse/partner/flatmate/neighbour to guard it until you have done the return.
Help - I'm stuck!
There are sources of assistance available to you.
As always, use what is to hand, so here comes another tip: use the Tax Return Guide, it is really pretty good.
If that doesn't solve the problem, the next tip is to try the Inland Revenue Helpline (see the numbers on the front of the tax return and try your own tax office first).
Then don't forget there are plenty of tax advisers who would be happy to help.
If you don't know one, or can't get a friend to recommend one, call the Chartered Institute of Taxation (020 7235 9381) or Association of Taxation Technicians (020 7235 2544) who will supply contacts in your area.
A final tip in this area: if you're going to ask for help, don't leave it to the last minute, tax advisers and the Inland Revenue tend to get busy in January.
I've finished
No, not quite.
Like an exam paper, read it through.
Does it make sense? Compare it with last year's return - does it look similar? Are there things that look odd?
If so, the taxman will be asking you about them so you could try and explain them in the white space on the form.
You may want to have a look at article three in this series which looks at some of the common traps.
If you really have finished, keep a copy of your return and send off the original.
Now have that drink you poured yourself. You've earned it.
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