HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is preparing to issue significant penalties, including fines of up to £900, to UK taxpayers who miss the imminent Self Assessment deadline.
Deadline Day Approaches: 31 January is the Key Date
All individuals required to complete a Self Assessment tax return must file their return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and settle any outstanding tax liability by 31 January 2026. This is a strict deadline, and HMRC has confirmed that phone lines will close on Friday 30 January, reopening on Monday 2 February.
There has been a notable surge in digital payments this year. Data shows that almost 340,000 people have used the official HMRC app to pay their tax bill since 6 April 2025. This marks a substantial increase of nearly 65 per cent, or 132,788 more people, compared to the same period last year.
The Steep Cost of Missing the Deadline
The penalties for late submission are severe and apply automatically. Taxpayers who fail to file by 31 January will face an immediate £100 fixed penalty, even if they owe no tax or pay their bill on time.
If the return remains outstanding after three months, daily penalties of £10 will begin to accrue, potentially reaching a maximum of £900. Further charges are applied at six and twelve months, consisting of 5% of the tax owed or £300, whichever is greater, at each stage.
Using the HMRC App and Planning Ahead
HMRC is encouraging the use of its app, highlighting that filing early provides clarity on the amount owed and helps avoid last-minute stress. The app allows users to pay their bill directly and set up payment reminders.
For those who may no longer need to complete Self Assessment, HMRC has outlined a process. Eligible customers can contact HMRC before the filing deadline to request removal from the system. If a return has already been submitted for this year, they can opt out from the following tax year, with HMRC adjusting their tax code accordingly.
With the deadline fast approaching, the message from the tax authority is clear: act now to file your return and pay any tax due, or face potentially costly financial penalties.
