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Taxman’s warning on paper tax returns

Press release -

Taxman’s warning on paper tax returns

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people who have to complete a 2013/14 tax return that paper returns received after the 31 October deadline will result in a £100 penalty.

HMRC can issue the £100 late-filing penalty even if you have no tax to pay, or you pay your tax on time. The more you delay sending in your paper return, the more you could pay, as there are further penalties after three, six and 12 months.

If you’re not able to submit a paper return by the end of the month, there is a simple way to avoid a £100 penalty – send your return online by 31 January.

As well as having an extra three months to send your return, filing online means your tax is calculated automatically and your return is processed faster. This means any tax refund you’re due is repaid more quickly. Registering for online filing is easy – visit the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment and follow the instructions.

Whichever way you choose to submit your return, the deadline for paying any tax you owe is 31 January.

Help and advice on filing your return is available from the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310 (open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturday).

Notes for editors

1.  Around 11 million people are expected to fill out a Self Assessment return for the 2013/14 tax year (6 April 2013 – 5 April 2014).

2.  The penalties for late Self Assessment returns 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 five per cent of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater; and

· after 12 months, another five per cent or £300 charge, whichever is greater.

3.  There are also additional penalties for paying late of five per cent of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months.

4.  Follow HMRC Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

5. Images are available on HMRC’s flickr site www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk

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Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority.

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

Contacts

HMRC Press Office

HMRC Press Office

Press contact 03000 585 018

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
100 Parliament St
SW1A 2BQ London