As the January 31 deadline approaches, it is crucial for taxpayers to file their tax returns promptly to prevent penalties.
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As January 31 nears, taxpayers across the UK are preparing for the final rush to submit their self-assessment tax returns for the 2026-25 fiscal year. With only hours left until the deadline, many are feeling the pressure to ensure their documents are complete.
Missing this deadline could result in an automatic £100 penalty, which may increase with additional fines.
By Thursday, over 10 million people had successfully filed their returns, but an estimated two million individuals were still expected to complete their submissions before the deadline.
According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the total number of anticipated filings for this period exceeds 12 million.
Support services available for last-minute filers
To aid those rushing to meet the deadline, HMRC has significantly enhanced its support services.
A spokesperson encouraged taxpayers to utilize the quick and user-friendly digital services available online, noting that many individuals are already taking advantage of these resources. For those needing assistance on the final day for submissions, both telephone and web chat services will be operational to provide additional help.
Enhanced capacity on deadline day
On January 31, HMRC plans to increase its web chat service capacity to ten times the usual amount for Saturdays. A digital assistant will be available around the clock, alongside comprehensive guidance on the government website. For those who prefer to speak with a representative, a phone service will be accessible from 9 am to 4 pm.
Taxpayers struggling to pay their owed amounts in full by the deadline have the option to set up a “time to pay” arrangement online if the tax due is under £30,000 and meets specific criteria. HMRC is also open to considering legitimate reasons for missed deadlines, which may allow some individuals to avoid penalties.
Understanding penalties for late submissions
The initial fixed penalty of £100 applies regardless of whether the taxpayer owes any tax or if the due amount is settled on time. However, if the return is not filed within three months, daily penalties of £10 may begin to accumulate, capped at a total of £900. Should the delay extend to six months, an additional charge of 5% of the tax owed or £300 will be applied, whichever is higher, with similar penalties following for delays up to 12 months.
If tax remains unpaid past the deadline, interest may accrue on the outstanding amount. Earlier this month, HMRC faced criticism after its helplines experienced temporary outages due to technical issues, raising concerns for those needing last-minute help.
Beware of scams during tax season
Taxpayers should remain vigilant against potential scams targeting individuals during this busy season. Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC officials, claiming that victims have outstanding tax bills or offering fake rebates to lure them into providing personal information. It is crucial for individuals to verify the legitimacy of any communication they receive.
For more information on contacting HMRC regarding self-assessment, taxpayers can visit the official government website at www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/self-assessment-general-enquiries. As the deadline approaches, it is essential for taxpayers to stay informed and act swiftly to avoid unnecessary penalties.
