Countdown for 5.7 million people to file their tax return

One month to go until Self Assessment deadline

With less than a month to go to the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging nearly 5.7 million people to file their tax return for the tax year ending 5 April 2023.

HMRC data shows almost 6.5 million people have already filed their tax return, including 49,317 people who used the New Year holiday to get a head start on their tax obligations:

• 25,593 people filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time being between 12noon and 12.59pm, when 2,677 people filed
• 127 people saw in the New Year by filing their tax return between midnight and and 00.59am on 1 January
• 23,724 people filed on New Year’s Day, with the most filing between 5pm and 15.59pm, when 2,354 people filed

The deadline to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. Customers can submit their tax returns and pay any tax owed online at GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return. Don’t put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your Self Assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started start today,”

HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support people in completing their tax return.

The quickest and easiest way people can pay their tax bill is via HMRC’s app which is free and secure. Information about the different ways to pay, can be found on GOV.UK.

Anyone who is unable to pay in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online. Go to GOV.UK and search “HMRC payment plan” for more information.

HMRC will consider a customer’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty. The penalties for late tax returns are:

• an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
• after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
• after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
• after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

Be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and never share your HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if you have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.