A third of tax returns outstanding a week before the deadline

HM Revenue and Customs has today announced just over three million customers are yet to complete their 2016 to 2017 returns with only one week to go before the 31 January deadline.

As of today, around eight million people have filed their Self Assessment for 2016 to 2017. HMRC is reminding customers that if you do send your tax return late, you will receive a £100 penalty - even if you do not owe any tax. The longer you delay, the more you will have to pay.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC Director General of Customer Services, said:

“The seven day countdown to 31 January has now begun. Put a stop to that niggling feeling and do your Self Assessment now. Our helpful online services offers support and advice so you can complete your tax return quicker than you think!”

The deadline for sending 2016 to 2017 Self Assessment tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2018. Self Assessment customers can now also submit their return via their personal tax account, it takes five minutes to sign up for an account here. If you think you will not be able to submit your tax return by 31 January, please ring us, so we can help you.

Notes for Editors

1. The deadline for Self Assessment returns is 31 January.

2. If you are submitting your 2016-17 Self Assessment return online for the first time, you will need to register for SA Online. Registering for online filing is simple – you can do it at: www.gov.uk/selfassessment. It can take a few days for the registration to arrive in the post so it’s important customers do it as soon as possible. They should contact HMRC for support if they’re concerned about missing the deadline.

3. Help is available from the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/selfassessment or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.

4. The penalties for late tax 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 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
• after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater.

5. There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months.

6. An audio clip of Angela McDonald’s statement is also available upon request.

7. Follow HMRC’s press office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice.

8. HMRC's Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk.