Background
A reminder that the Self Assessment Tax Return deadline for the year ended 5 April 2025 is fast approaching. In fact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have recently issued a prompt regarding the deadline since it falls on a Saturday this year. HMRC have advised that taxpayers should submit their returns on or before Friday 30 January 2026 since both the Self Assessment helpline for taxpayers and the agent dedicated line will close at 6pm on Friday 30 January 2026.
On 5 January 2026 HMRC reported there were some 5.65 million taxpayers who they expect still need to complete a return for 2024/25.
HMRC have stated that enhanced webchat services for taxpayers and agents, with more advisers than usual to provide support, will be available between 8am and 4pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026. HMRC’s online agent services will continue to be available.
The enhanced webchat service will be available for queries about 2024/25 tax returns and payment, online services and bereavement. A call-back process for vulnerable customers needing extra support or complex case team assistance will be provided.
Returns must be submitted online by midnight on 31 January 2026 to avoid penalties being charged, or if you are using an agent, by 5pm on Friday 30 January 2026.
Detail
Self Assessment Late Filing Penalties
There is an automatic £100 late filing penalty for individuals who fail to submit their tax return by 31 January. The late filing penalty will be charged if a return is filed after the deadline irrespective of whether there is a tax liability.
Additional penalties will arise if the return is submitted 3, 6 or 12 months late.
Appeals
It is possible for late filing penalties to be appealed, in very exceptional circumstances, provided a taxpayer can demonstrate a ‘reasonable excuse’ to support the late filing. However, the appeals process should not be considered a ‘safety net’ for not filing by the deadline since HMRC have a rather narrow definition of a reasonable excuse.
Appeals must be lodged within 30 days of the date HMRC issue the penalty notice.
Self-Assessment Late Payment Penalties
Any outstanding tax for the year ended 5 April 2025 also falls due for payment on 31 January 2026. If the outstanding payment is not settled by 2 March 2026, then an additional 5% surcharge will be added to a taxpayer’s liability by HMRC. There are additional surcharges on any amounts remaining unpaid after 6 months and 12 months.
Interest will also be charged from 1 February 2026 on any amounts outstanding. The interest rate charged by HMRC is currently 7.75%.
To assist taxpayers HMRC allow electronic payments, typically via internet or telephone banking, which will be processed on the same or next day. Taxpayers are encouraged to check their payment method so that they are aware of any possible processing delays that may arise so that they can plan their payment accordingly in order to avoid any late payment interest.
For taxpayers who may not be able to pay their liability on time HMRC may offer additional time to pay or set up a payment plan in order to avoid the 5% late payment surcharge which ordinarily would be applied to any tax outstanding on 2 March 2026.
A payment plan can be set up online to spread the cost of a taxpayers Self-Assessment bill using HMRC’s self-serve Time to Pay facility if:
- they owe £30,000 or less;
- their tax returns are up to date;
- they do not have any other payment plans or other outstanding tax with HMRC.
Further details can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc.
If a taxpayer is not eligible for a payment plan or cannot use the online service then they can call the Self-Assessment payment helpline on 0300 200 3820.
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