Skip to main content

Accessibility statement for ShortForms service

This accessibility statement explains how accessible this service is, what to do if you have difficulty using it, and how to report accessibility problems with the service.

This service is part of the wider GOV.UK website. There is a separate accessibility statement for the main GOV.UK website.

This page only contains information about the ShortForms service, available at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms.

Using this service

The ShortForms service allows users to complete a variety of short forms, such as the form to register for Self Assessment.

This service is run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We want as many people as possible to be able to use this service. This means you should be able to:

  • change colours, contrast levels and fonts
  • zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
  • get from the start of the service to the end using just a keyboard
  • get from the start of the service to the end using speech recognition software
  • listen to the service using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)

We have also made the text in the service as simple as possible to understand.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

How accessible this service is

This service is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.

Some people may find parts of this service difficult to use:

  • the service times out without giving users due warning or the option to extend their session
  • some of the instructions for the service are only shown in images rather than explained in text
  • some page titles, headings and links are not descriptive
  • not all labels and functions have been put in place for keyboard navigation and screen readers, so the information given to users may be incomplete, in the wrong order or unclear
  • pages cannot be formatted as a single column, which means users may have to scroll horizontally to find the information they need
  • users cannot skip to the main content when using keyboard navigation or a screen reader

What to do if you have difficulty using this service

You can contact HMRC for extra support if you need help with filling in forms or getting a different format, like large print, audio recording or Braille.

Reporting accessibility problems with this service

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of this service. If you find any problems that are not listed on this page or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, report the accessibility problem.

If you are not happy with our response

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations'). If you are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) or the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) if you live in Northern Ireland.

Contacting us by phone or getting a visit from us in person

We provide a text relay service if you are deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impediment.

We can provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, or you can arrange a visit from an HMRC advisor to help you complete the service.

Find out how to get extra support from HMRC.

Technical information about this service’s accessibility

HMRC is committed to making this service accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This service is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non‐accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non‐compliance with the accessibility regulations

The service times out without giving users due warning or the option to extend their session, which can cause issues for people that cannot complete the task within the time limit. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.2.1 (timing adjustable). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

Some of the instructions for the service are only shown in images rather than explained in text, which makes the service harder to use for people with visual impairments. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criteria 1.1.1 (non-text content) or 1.3.3 (sensory characteristics). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

Some page titles, headings and links are not descriptive, so users may find it harder to navigate the service using assistive technologies. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criteria 2.4.2 (page titled), 2.4.4 (link purpose) or 2.4.6 (headings and labels). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

Not all labels and functions have been put in place for keyboard navigation and screen readers, so the information given to users may be incomplete, in the wrong order or unclear. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criteria 1.3.1 (info and relationships), 2.4.3 (focus order), 2.4.7 (focus visible) or 4.1.3 (status messages). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

Pages cannot be formatted as a single column, which means users may have to scroll horizontally to find the information they need. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.10 (reflow). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

Users cannot always skip to the main content when using keyboard navigation or a screen reader, which means these users may have to go through the same information on multiple pages, for example, headers and menu links. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.1 (bypass blocks). This will be fixed by 31 March 2027.

How we tested this service

The service was last tested on 13 July 2020 and was checked for compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA.

The service was built using parts that were tested by the Digital Accessibility Centre. The full service was tested by HMRC and included disabled users.

This page was prepared on 23 September 2020. It was last updated on 1 May 2024.

Is this page not working properly? (opens in new tab)