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With Christmas nearly here, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging Self Assessment customers to put their tax return at the top of their to-do list.

Last year more than 2,800 customers chose to file their tax return on Christmas Day. But those who get their 2021 to 2022 Self Assessment wrapped up before Christmas can tick it off and enjoy the festivities.

Self Assessment customers need to complete their tax return and pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2023 deadline or risk having to pay a penalty. Those who file their return before 30 December may also have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code.

Filing early means if customers owe money, they have plenty of time to explore which of the payment options available is best for them by visiting 188体育. Customers should include their bank account details so that if HMRC needs to repay them it can be done quickly and securely.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC鈥檚 Director General for Customer Services, said:

We are encouraging customers to plan their Self Assessment as they鈥檇 plan for Christmas - get organised, complete their to-do list with plenty of time to avoid that last minute rush. Just search 鈥榮elf assessment鈥� on 188体育 to make a start.

The easiest and quickest way to complete a tax return is online through a Personal Tax Account where customers can start their return and go back to it as many times as they need before submitting it.

To make it even simpler, customers can now use the free and secure HMRC app to get their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), make Self Assessment payments and obtain their National Insurance number and employment history .

HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers complete their tax return, including guidance, webinars and videos.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of scams as criminals use Self Assessment as an opportunity to commit fraud. Customers must never share their HMRC login details as criminals use them to steal or make a fraudulent claim.聽Customers should check HMRC鈥檚 scams advice on 188体育.

Further information

Find out more about Self Assessment.

Those who are unable to pay their tax bill in full can access support and advice on 188体育. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay. Customers should try to do this online; go to 188体育 for more information. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.

We鈥檙e urging customers never to share their Government Gateway user ID and password. Someone using these details could steal from them or make a fraudulent claim in their name.

HMRC聽will treat those with genuine excuses leniently, as we focus our penalties on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders. Customers who provide聽HMRC聽with a reasonable excuse before the 31 January deadline can avoid a penalty after this date. The penalties for late tax returns are:

• an initial 拢100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
• after 3 months, additional daily penalties of 拢10 per day, up to a maximum of 拢900
• after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or 拢300, whichever is greater
• after 12 months, another 5% or 拢300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months.

HMRC wants to help you get your tax right. Lots of information and support is available which includes:

• - the assistant will help you find information, and if you can鈥檛 what you鈥檙e looking for you can ask to speak to an adviser.
• guidance notes and help sheets and provide a wealth of information if you are stuck or confused
• live webinars where you can ask questions or if you can鈥檛 join, you can watch recorded webinars on demand
• HMRC app and Personal Tax Account - you can instantly find your Unique Taxpayer Reference, make a Self Assessment payment, get your National Insurance number and get your employment income and history for your tax return
• technical support for HMRC online services for help signing into online services
• email updates - so you don鈥檛 miss out on the latest information on Self Assessment
• social media updates - follow on Twitter, on Instagram, and to get the latest updates on Self Assessment services and useful reminders, and if you have a question ask
• information on extra support - if you need extra support to help your with Self Assessment you can contact a voluntary or community sector organisation who can provide you with help and advice, or you can get support directly from HMRC

Customers who no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return need to let us know otherwise we鈥檒l think you鈥檙e late with your tax return and may issue a penalty.

The government is offering . Check 188体育 to find out what cost of living support you could be eligible for.

To access the HMRC app, go to App store or Google Play to follow the download and set up instructions.

HMRC has today launched 鈥�12 days of Self Assessment鈥� on their Instagram and Twitter channels and will be sharing hints and tips for Self Assessment customers in the run up to Christmas. Look out for the #12DaysOfSelfAssessment baubles.