HM Revenue and Customs has confirmed that approximately one million individuals across the United Kingdom have missed the crucial Self Assessment tax return deadline of January 31, 2026. This significant oversight means these taxpayers are now subject to an immediate £100 fixed penalty, regardless of whether they owe any tax or have already settled their bill.
The Scale of Late Submissions
While HMRC reported that over 11.48 million people successfully filed their returns on time, the one million who missed the cut-off now face financial consequences. The data reveals a pattern of last-minute filing, with 475,722 taxpayers submitting their returns on the final day. Even more strikingly, 27,456 individuals filed in the last hour between 11pm and 11.59pm on deadline day.
Escalating Penalty Structure
The initial £100 penalty is just the beginning for those who have missed the deadline. HMRC operates a tiered penalty system that becomes progressively more severe:
- After three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day apply, accumulating to a maximum of £900
- Following six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300 is imposed, whichever amount is greater
- After twelve months, another 5% or £300 charge is added, again taking the higher amount
Immediate Action Required
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's chief customer officer, emphasised the urgency for those who missed the deadline: "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."
Taxpayers can still submit their returns through GOV.UK or via the official HMRC mobile application. The digital channels remain the quickest and most efficient method for managing tax affairs, with HMRC encouraging people to search 'Self Assessment' on GOV.UK for comprehensive guidance.
Support for Those Struggling to Pay
For individuals who cannot settle their full tax bill immediately, HMRC offers Time to Pay arrangements. These flexible payment plans allow taxpayers to spread their payments over an extended period, providing crucial breathing space for those facing financial difficulties. The arrangements are designed to be accessible and can be arranged through HMRC's digital services.
The confirmation of one million missed submissions highlights the ongoing challenges many face in meeting tax obligations, particularly during periods of economic pressure. With penalties structured to encourage prompt action, HMRC's message remains clear: file as soon as possible to minimise financial consequences.
