Taxation

1.1 Million Taxpayers Missed the Self-Assessment Deadline – What Happens Next?   

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The Tax Return Deadline Rush – Who Made It and Who Didn’t? 

As the 31 January Self-Assessment deadline approached, accountants and taxpayers scrambled to submit their tax returns. Despite the last-minute rush, 1.1 million people failed to file on time, according to HMRC. 

  • 12 million tax returns were expected in total. 
  • 10.9 million expected returns were submitted before the deadline. 
  • More than 11.5 million total returns were received (including voluntary and late registrations). 
  • 97.36% of tax returns were filed online. 
  • 732,498 taxpayers filed on deadline day, with 31,442 submitting in the last hour! 
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Late Filing Penalties – What Happens If You Missed the Deadline? 

If you’re one of the 1.1 million who missed the cut-off, you’ll face penalties unless you act fast. 

Penalties for Late Filing: 

  • £100 fixed fine – Applies immediately, even if no tax is owed. 
  • After 3 months – £10 per day penalty (up to £900). 
  • After 6 months – Additional 5% of tax due or £300, whichever is greater. 
  • After 12 months – Another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater. 

Penalties for Late Payment: 

  • 5% surcharge if tax remains unpaid after 30 days
  • Another 5% at 6 months and 12 months
  • Interest accrues on any unpaid tax. 

Tip: If you’ve missed the deadline, file your return ASAP to minimize fines and penalties. 

Self-Assessment 2025 – Key Stats 

HMRC Tax Return Summary: 

  • 12,026,540 Self-Assessment returns expected. 
  • 11,509,810 returns received by 31 January. 
  • 10,887,810 expected returns filed on time. 
  • 11,205,810 returns were filed online (97.36%). 
  • 304,000 paper tax returns were filed (2.64%). 

How Does This Compare to Previous Years? 

  • 2022–23 Tax Year: 11,581,962 returns filed by 31 January 2024
  • 2021–22 Tax Year: 11,351,289 returns filed by 31 January 2023
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Missed the Deadline? Here’s What You Should Do 

  • File Your Tax Return ASAP – The sooner you file, the fewer penalties you’ll face. 
  • Pay Any Outstanding Tax – Avoid additional charges by settling your bill quickly. 
  • Check If You Can Appeal – If you have a valid reason for missing the deadline (e.g., illness or family emergency), you may be able to request a penalty appeal with HMRC. 

FAQ’s

You must provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse (e.g., serious illness, technical issues, or bereavement). Appeals can be submitted online through your HMRC account.

If you’re struggling to pay, contact HMRC as soon as possible. They may allow you to set up a Time to Pay arrangement to spread the cost.