HMRC points warning to taxpayers as self-assessment deadline looms

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Your assist makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Round two million individuals face a essential deadline this Saturday to submit their self-assessment tax returns for the 2024-25 tax 12 months.

Lacking the January 31 cut-off will set off an automated £100 penalty, with HM Income and Customs (HMRC) warning of additional fines for continued delays.

HMRC confirmed over 10 million people had already accomplished their returns by Thursday. Over 12 million are anticipated to file a self-assessment for the present tax 12 months.

An HMRC spokesperson stated: "Extra clients have filed their tax return in comparison with this time final 12 months, however for anybody but to file and pay, do not depart it till January 31 - take motion now.

"We encourage clients needing assist to make use of our quick and straightforward digital and on-line companies, and the bulk already do. Ought to they nonetheless require assistance on deadline day, our phone and webchat companies might be accessible to supply further assist."

HMRC's cellphone traces are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/01/13/13/13131759-d5b3eac9-419f-4ecb-9c9c-2287f826924b.jpg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/01/13/13/13131759-d5b3eac9-419f-4ecb-9c9c-2287f826924b.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/01/13/13/13131759-d5b3eac9-419f-4ecb-9c9c-2287f826924b.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="HMRC confirmed over 10 million individuals had already completed their self-assessment tax returns." class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE"/> HMRC confirmed over 10 million people had already accomplished their self-assessment tax returns. (Alamy/PA) The income physique stated that on Saturday its webchat service may have 10 occasions the standard Saturday capability, with its 24/7 digital assistant and gov.uk steerage accessible.

It has enhanced this assist with a cellphone service from 9am to 4pm, for individuals who want to talk to somebody about self-assessment.

People who find themselves unable to pay in full by January 31 might be able to arrange a "time to pay" association on-line in the event that they owe lower than £30,000 and meet standards.

HMRC will contemplate clients' causes for lacking the deadline. These with an inexpensive excuse could keep away from a penalty.

Get a free fractional share value as much as £100.Capital in danger.

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Get a free fractional share value as much as £100.Capital in danger.

Phrases and circumstances apply.

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The preliminary £100 mounted penalty applies even when there isn't a tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time.

After three months, there is also further day by day penalties of £10 per day, as much as a most of £900.

And after six months, there might be an extra penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is larger.

After 12 months, there might be one other 5% or £300 cost, whichever is larger.

There are additionally further penalties for late funds of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If tax stays unpaid after the deadline, curiosity may be charged on the quantity owed.

Earlier in January, HMRC apologised after its helplines have been down for a part of a day on account of a short-lived technical difficulty.

Folks also needs to be careful for scams, with criminals purporting to be from HMRC. Fraudsters could threaten individuals claiming they've an unpaid tax invoice or they could make affords of pretend rebates.