Around one million people missed the January 31 deadline
HMRC has issued an update (Image: Stephen Smith via Getty Images)
More than 11.48 million people met the deadline and submitted their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by January 31, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced on Tuesday. Nevertheless, approximately one million people failed to meet the deadline and now face £100 penalties, which could increase further in the months ahead.
The tax authority revealed that 475,722 taxpayers left it until the final day to submit their return. On that day, 27,456 people filed theirs in the last hour – between 11pm and 11.59pm.
The peak hour for submissions was 5pm to 5.59pm, when 32,982 people filed. HMRC advisers managed 5,409 webchats and 10,483 calls to the helplines which, exceptionally, were opened on a Saturday to offer additional support to customers on the deadline day.
More than 12 million Self Assessment customers were required to file a tax return and settle any tax due for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by January 31. Anyone who needs to submit a return and failed to meet the deadline should fulfil their tax obligations as quickly as possible, as late filing and late payment penalties are imposed, HMRC added.
Customers can submit their tax return now and settle any tax due via GOV.UK. One of the fastest methods to pay is through the HMRC app.
The deadline has now passed (Image: PaulMaguire via Getty Images)
Time to Pay arrangements are accessible for those who cannot settle their tax bill in full, provided they meet the relevant criteria. A complete list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: “Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January. Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged. HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
The fines for submitting a tax return late 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 three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
- after six 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 extra penalties for late payment – 5% of the unpaid tax at 30 days, six months and 12 months. Interest will also be applied on any tax paid after the deadline.
Taxpayers will be able to submit their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year from April 6, 2026.
Alterations to HMRC tax regulations from April 6, 2026
Self-employed individuals and property owners with qualifying income exceeding £50,000 will be obliged to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from April 6, 2026, and will need to provide quarterly updates of their income and expenditure to HMRC. HMRC is encouraging qualifying customers to take action now – whether they’re registering a client or themselves, stay ahead by taking the initial step and signing up on GOV.UK to access the new service and begin preparations immediately.
