ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

Taxpayers asked to update provisional and rounded tax return figures

Author: ICAEW Insights

Published: 16 Mar 2026

HMRC is writing to taxpayers who included provisional or rounded figures in their self assessment (SA) tax return for 2024/25 to ask them to take action within 35 days of the date of the letter.

One of two letters is being sent. The taxpayer may also receive a follow-up SMS (text) message. 

The first letter is being sent to taxpayers who included provisional figures in their 2024/25 SA tax return and have yet to update their return for the final figures. The taxpayer is asked to check the provisional figures and amend their return by either:

  • replacing the provisional figures with final figures; or
  • removing the tick on box 20 of the return if the provisional figures are now final figures. 

The second letter is being sent to taxpayers who HMRC suspects may have used rounded figures in their 2024/25 SA tax return. Details of the figures are provided in the letter. The taxpayer is asked to amend their return and replace any rounded figures with accurate figures. No action is required if the figures HMRC suspects to be rounded are accurate. 

In both cases, the taxpayer is given the deadline of 35 days from the date the letter was issued to take the appropriate action. HMRC says that, if the taxpayer updates their return on time, it “won’t have to open an enquiry”. 

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty provided guidance on the use of provisional and estimated figures in an earlier article

 

Prepare for 2026/27 series

ICAEW's Tax Faculty looks at the key tax changes applying from April 2026.

Further support on tax.
Latest on business tax
The Tax Faculty

ICAEW's Tax Faculty is recognised internationally as a leading authority and source of expertise on taxation. The faculty is the voice of tax for ICAEW, responsible for all submissions to the tax authorities. Join the Faculty for expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax to your clients or business.

Further resources

Latest news
Making tax digital image
TAXwire and Tax Track

Stay up to date with the latest developments by signing up to the Tax Faculty's weekly enewsletter and listening to the Tax Track podcast series.

Listen now Newsletter sign up
Practical guidance
Find out more about the Tax Faculty
Tax Faculty resources

The Tax Faculty offers expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax legislation to your clients or business. We offer clear direction in taxing times. Membership is open to everyone.

ICAEW support
Training and events

Browse upcoming and on-demand ICAEW events and webinars focused on developments in tax practice and policy.

Events and webinars CPD courses and more
Open AddCPD icon