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The last-minute scramble has begun for taxpayers who still need to file their returns for the 2024-25 tax year, with just hours left until the end-of-Saturday deadline.
Anyone who misses the January 31st deadline will automatically face a £100 fine, with further fines likely to follow.
As of Thursday, more than 10 million people had filed returns, and about 2 million more were expected to file at that time.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has previously said that more than 12 million people are expected to submit self-assessment tax returns for the 2024-25 tax year.
A spokesman for HMRC said: “We encourage customers who need support to use our fast and simple digital and online services, which most people already do. If they still need help before the deadline, our phone and web chat services will provide additional support.”
The tax agency said its web chat service will have 10 times the capacity on a normal Saturday, with a 24/7 digital assistant and gov.uk guidance available.
It has enhanced this support by offering a telephone service from 9am to 4pm for people who need to discuss self-assessment issues with someone.
people People who are unable to pay in full by January 31 can set up a ‘time to pay’ arrangement online if they owe less than £30,000 and meet the criteria.
HMRC will consider why the customer missed the deadline. Penalties can be avoided by those with reasonable excuses.
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Even if tax is not paid, or if the tax due is paid on time, the initial fixed penalty of £100 will still apply.
After three months, there may be an additional fine 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 higher, may be imposed.
After 12 months, a further fee of 5% or £300, whichever is higher, may be charged.
For late payment of tax, an additional penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax is imposed at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If taxes remain unpaid after the due date, interest may also be charged on the amount owed.
In early January, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) apologized after its helpline was unavailable for a day due to brief technical issues.
People should also be wary of scams, with criminals claiming to be from HMRC. Fraudsters may threaten people, claiming they have unpaid tax bills, or they may offer false rebates.
For more information on how people can contact HMRC, please visit: www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/self-assessment-general-enquiries.