100 days left to file 2017/18 tax return

Avoid the last-minute rush to complete your 2017/18 Self Assessment tax return by doing it early, urges HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Taxpayers can complete their Self Assessment for the previous tax year from as early as 6 April. However, many choose to wait until after Christmas to fill it in. Last year, more than 11 million customers completed a 2016/17 Self Assessment tax return, with 10.7 million completing on time. There were 4,852,744 customerswho filed in January 2018 (44.8% of the total), and 758,707 on 31 January.

With 100 days to go before the 2017/18 Self Assessment deadline on 31 January 2019; taxpayers can complete their tax return in advance, find out how much tax they need to pay, and then pay the money owed by the deadline – taking away the stress around the holiday period.

Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury said:

“Last year, more than 11 million taxpayers completed their Self Assessment tax returns collectively bringing in a record £32.7 billion in revenue. Revenue that has gone on to fund our vital public services.

“Self-employed workers and small businesses make up a significant proportion of our Self Assessment tax returns and the government is committed to supporting them and reducing the administrative burden they may face. The Personal Tax Account, for example, allows you to file your return and manage your tax affairs online, quickly and simply, whenever you want.”

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

“The deadline for completing Self Assessment tax returns may be 100 days away, yet, for many of us, we wait until January to start the process. Time flies once the festive period is underway, yet the ‘niggle’ to file your tax return remains.

“We want to help people get their tax returns right – starting the process early and giving yourself time to gather all the information you need will help avoid the last-minute, stressful rush to complete it on time. Let’s beat that niggle.”

Tax is automatically deducted from the majority of UK taxpayers’ wages, pensions or savings. For people or businesses where tax is not automatically deducted, or when they may have earned additional untaxed income, they are required to complete a Self Assessment tax return each year.

Last year, a record 93% of customers did their return online and HMRC provides lots of support for people who need to do their tax return. There are films and webinars which show each stage of the process, with special guidance for different types of individuals.

Help is also available on GOV.UK or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.

The deadline for paper tax returns is 31 October 2018 and the deadline for online tax returns and paying any tax owed is 31 January 2019. If customers miss the deadline, they can face a minimum £100 penalty for late submissions.

Notes to Editors

1.11,216,753 customers filed a 2016/17 tax return.

2.Self Assessment guidance is available at - https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns

3.If you’re doing Self Assessment online for the first time, you need to register for Self Assessment Online. It can take a few days for the registration to arrive in the post, so it’s important that customers do it as soon as possible. They should contact HMRC for support if they’re concerned about missing the deadline.

4.Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

5.HMRC’s Flickr channel www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk