Countdown for 5.7 million customers to file their tax return
With less than a month to go to the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs
(HMRC) is urging nearly 5.7 million customers to file their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax
year.
HMRC data shows almost 6.5 million customers have already beaten the Self Assessment
clock by filing their tax return, including 49,317 customers who used the New Year holiday to
get a head start on their tax obligations:
25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time
being between 12:00 and 12:59, when 2,677 customers filed
127 customers saw in the New Year by filing their tax return between 00:00 and
00:59 on 1 January
23,724 customers filed on New Year’s Day, with the most filing between 15:00 and
15:59, when 2,354 customers 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 customers in completing their tax return.
The quickest and easiest way customers 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.
Customers who are 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.
Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share
their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams
advice is available on GOV.UK.
