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HMRC internal manual

Self Assessment: the legal framework

SALF1140 - Self Assessment: the legal framework: Returns and Quarterly updates: Calendar quarters election

A relevant person may elect to use calendar quarters for a digital obligation tax year for a relevant activity. Where an election is made, each quarterly update period will begin on 1 April. This may simplify record keeping where the accounting period ends on 31 March.

Notification of such an election must be made before submitting any quarterly update for that year. The election may be made digitally via functional compatible software.

The calendar quarter update periods are shown at SALF1160.

A calendar quarters election applies to the tax year for which it is made and continues for all subsequent digital obligation tax years, unless it is withdrawn.

The election can be withdrawn at any time by giving notice to HMRC.

If an election is withdrawn before any quarterly update is given for the current tax year, the election ends with the previous tax year, otherwise the election ends the year the notice is given.