What a tax year overview shows
The overview is HMRC’s account view of one tax year. It confirms what HMRC has charged you and whether it has been paid. It does not show how your income was taxed, line by line. That is what HMRC’s tax calculation is for.
| Document | What it proves | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Tax year overview | What HMRC charged for the year and what you have paid | Your HMRC online account |
| HMRC tax calculation | How your income and tax were worked out | Your HMRC online account, after HMRC processes the return. See what is an SA302 |
| Tax calculation in the software | Your figures before or after filing, as an estimate | Self Assessment Software tax calculation |
The calculation shows your income. The overview shows HMRC has the same figures on its records and that the tax is paid. Many lenders ask for both for the latest one or two years.
How to download your tax year overview
- Sign in to your HMRC online accountUse your Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login details on GOV.UK.
- Open Self AssessmentChoose the Self Assessment section of your account.
- Choose the tax yearFind the option to view your tax years, then select the year the lender needs.
- Open the tax year overviewOpen the overview for that year and check the figures match your return.
- Print or save as PDFUse your browser’s print option and choose Save as PDF. Keep the file with the tax calculation for the same year.
Right after you file, the year may not show yet. HMRC usually processes an online return within a few days. If the overview is still missing after that, check the return was accepted.
After you file with Self Assessment Software
When HMRC accepts your return, the filing desk shows Submission accepted. HMRC then updates your online account. Check our filing desk guide to see how to confirm HMRC received the return.
The tax calculation and payment schedule in the software help you check the figures before the lender sees HMRC’s documents. The tax year overview itself always comes from HMRC.
Common problems
- The year is missing: the return may not be processed yet, or it was not accepted. Check the submission status.
- The figures differ from your return: HMRC may have corrected the return, or a payment is still being allocated. Compare with HMRC’s tax calculation and any letter from HMRC.
- You need an older year: your online account usually shows recent years. For older years, contact HMRC.
- You amended the return: download the overview again after HMRC processes the amendment. See how to amend a Self Assessment return.
Still stuck?
- Check the filing desk shows Submission accepted for that tax year.
- Allow a few days after filing for HMRC to process the return.
- Make sure you are signed in to the HMRC account that holds your Self Assessment.
- For years your online account does not show, contact HMRC.
Still not sorted? Contact us and tell us the page, the tax year and any message you see.
Questions answered
What is a tax year overview?
It is a statement in your HMRC online account showing what HMRC charged for a Self Assessment year, what you have paid, and any balance due.
Is a tax year overview the same as a tax calculation?
No. The tax calculation shows how your tax was worked out. The overview shows the amount charged and paid. Lenders often ask for both for the same year.
How soon can I download it after filing?
Usually within a few days of filing online, once HMRC has processed the return.
Can my accountant download it for me?
An authorised agent can usually see a client’s Self Assessment records through HMRC’s agent services, but many lenders want the copy from the taxpayer’s own account. Ask your lender.
Can Self Assessment Software produce a tax year overview?
No. Only HMRC produces it. The software produces your tax calculation and payment schedule, which help you check the figures.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Get your SA302 tax calculation and tax year overview
- GOV.UK: Sign in to your HMRC online account
These guides explain how HMRC's rules apply in Self Assessment Software. Check GOV.UK for your own circumstances.