HMRC Simple Assessment - Don't Panic

When HMRC Sends a Simple Assessment – Don’t Panic, Just Fix It (Like a Coldplay Song)

If you’ve recently received a Simple Assessment from HMRC, you might feel like you’re caught in a Coldplay song — perhaps The Scientist, wondering “Where did it all go wrong?” But fear not — whether you agree with the figures or feel the numbers are more confusing than Mylo Xyloto, you’ve got options.

What is HMRC's Simple Assessment?

Simple Assessment is HMRC’s way of saying, “We’re trying to make this easier,” but sometimes it feels more like Fix You than Paradise. It’s a method they use to calculate the tax they think you owe without asking you to fill out a full Self Assessment tax return.

They typically send it out to:

• People who owe tax on their State Pension that hasn’t been taxed at source

• Those who have underpaid tax through PAYE

• Individuals whose income is straightforward but falls outside the PAYE system

  
  

The notice will usually come through the post in the form of a PA302 calculation. Think of it as your very own HMRC remix — their version of your tax story.

What If You Disagree?

Now, let’s say you open it up and feel like shouting, "This isn’t what I expected!" — much like fans did when Coldplay dropped Ghost Stories. If something doesn’t look right — maybe they’ve misunderstood your income, or applied the wrong tax code — you have the right to challenge it.

You’ve got 60 days to respond. That's less time than it took Coldplay to sell out A Head Full of Dreams tour, so don’t wait.

What to Do Next

1. Review the Assessment

   1. Don’t go into Clocks-mode and lose track of time. Read it carefully. Check every detail — from income figures to pension amounts. Did they include any capital gains? Are they assuming benefits you didn’t receive?

2. Gather Your Evidence

   1. HMRC may have been talking in a whisper (or just automated estimates), but you can bring clarity. Get your P60s, P45s, bank statements, and any relevant documentation. Build your own version of A Rush of Blood to the Head — but with receipts.

3. Respond to HMRC

   1. You can write to them (as outlined in the letter), or use the online service if available. Keep your response clear, factual, and firm — but no need to be Politik-al.

4. Don’t Ignore It

   1. Ignoring a Simple Assessment doesn’t make it go away. If you do nothing, HMRC assumes you agree — and the amount becomes legally due. That’s a bit like choosing not to listen to Viva La Vida because you didn’t request it — it’s still playing!

Final Thoughts

A Simple Assessment might seem anything but simple — especially if it feels off-key. But by responding within 60 days, and backing your disagreement with evidence, you can turn it from a sour note into a Sky Full of Stars.

And remember: even if the tax world seems as complex as Coldplay’s discography, there’s always help available. Speak to a tax advisor or call HMRC directly.

Because when it comes to taxes — as with Coldplay — sometimes the best way forward is to Fix You.