With just under a week to go until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone who has not yet filed their tax return to act now to avoid penalties.
The deadline to submit your 2024 to 2025 Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed is Saturday 31 January 2026. Missing the deadline will result in an automatic £100 penalty, even if there is no tax to pay.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
HMRC has outlined the penalties for late submissions:
- An initial £100 fixed penalty, applied immediately after the deadline
- After 3 months, daily penalties of £10 per day, up to £900
- After 6 months, a further penalty of £300 or 5% of the tax due
- After 12 months, another £300 or 5% charge
Late payment penalties may also apply, alongside interest on any unpaid tax.
How to file and pay
More than 97% of Self Assessment returns are now filed online. Businesses and individuals who haven’t started yet can access step-by-step guidance, and videos via GOV.UK.
Once your return is submitted, the quickest way to pay any tax owed is through the HMRC app, which allows payments to be made in under a minute. A range of payment options is also available online. If you are concerned about paying your tax bill in full, HMRC may allow eligible customers to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online.
Need more help?
HMRC phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, but will close at 6pm on Friday 30 January and reopen after the deadline. On the deadline day itself, HMRC will provide online webchat support.
Taxpayers are also reminded to be alert to scams. HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text or email.
Looking ahead
From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, submitting quarterly updates to HMRC. Eligible businesses are being encouraged to sign up early to familiarise themselves with the new system.
Act now
With only days remaining, HMRC is advising taxpayers not to leave it until the last minute. Filing early gives you time to check your return, arrange payment and avoid unnecessary stress or penalties.
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