| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
More than 11.5 million taxpayers successfully filed their Self Assessment tax returns for the 2023–2024 tax year by the 31 January deadline, avoiding a £100 late filing penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.
A total of 732,498 people submitted their returns on deadline day, with the busiest hour being 16:00–16:59, when 58,517 returns were filed. Thousands left it until the last minute, with 31,442 submissions recorded between 23:00 and 23:59.
Filing Trends and Online Submissions
The vast majority of taxpayers—97.36%—chose to file online, reflecting a continued shift towards digital tax management. In total, 90.53% of those expected to file completed their returns on time.
Missed the Deadline? Act Now
HMRC is urging anyone who missed the deadline to submit their tax return as soon as possible and pay any outstanding tax. The fastest way to pay is via the free and secure HMRC app. For those struggling to pay in full, Time to Pay arrangements are available.
Late filers will incur penalties, including:
- An initial £100 fixed penalty, regardless of whether tax is owed.
- After three months, daily penalties of £10, up to a maximum of £900.
- After six months, an additional penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is greater).
- After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge (whichever is greater).
Late payments also attract further penalties, with 5% of the unpaid tax charged at 30 days, six months, and 12 months, plus interest on overdue amounts.
HMRC’s Message to Taxpayers
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
“Thank you to the millions who met the 31 January deadline. If you missed it, I urge you to file your return as soon as possible to avoid further penalties. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK for more information.”
Online Income and Tax Responsibilities
HMRC also reminds those selling goods or services online that they may need to pay tax on their income. Further guidance is available by searching ‘online platform income’ on GOV.UK or using the HMRC app.
For more information or to file your Self Assessment return, visit GOV.UK.
About The Reporter
