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With only one week to go until the 31 January Self Assessment deadline, the 3.8 million people yet to file their tax return are urged to act now or risk facing a 拢100 penalty.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date, more than 8.3 million online returns have already been received.

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

If you are a Self Assessment taxpayer, now is the time to take action and get your return done. People can familiarise themselves with the process by checking out HMRC鈥檚 online resources on 188体育. Once a tax return is submitted, it鈥檚 easy to find out what鈥檚 owed and to pay online or using the HMRC app. Just search 鈥榩ay my Self Assessment鈥� on 188体育 to find out more.

For anyone unable to pay in full, HMRC wants to help find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe.聽They may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and can find out how to do this online, without speaking to HMRC, if聽they owe less than 拢30,000.

It is quick and easy to pay Self Assessment tax bills online or using the HMRC app. A full list of payment options can be found on 188体育.

When completing a return, it is important to ensure bank account details are included, so that if HMRC needs to make a repayment, they can do so quickly and securely without needing to issue a cheque.

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

HMRC聽will consider a customer鈥檚 reasons for not being able to meet the deadline.聽Those who provide聽a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.

There are also additional penalties for paying outstanding tax late. These are 5% of that unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

Before picking up the phone to HMRC for Self Assessment help, check for the answer online. It is much quicker, and the most common queries can be answered within a couple of minutes. The online tool can be used to check if you need to complete a tax return, find help on how to fill it out by viewing HMRC鈥檚 and find out where your refund is by using the where鈥檚 my reply tool.

It is important to let HMRC know of any changes to personal details or circumstances, such as a new address or name, or if you have stopped being self-employed or your business has closed.

Anyone who thinks they no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, should tell HMRC - so that they can issue a withdrawal notice - before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid any penalties.聽HMRC has produced two videos explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment for those who are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on 188体育.

Further information

More information about Self Assessment

HMRC has lots of information and support available online which includes:聽聽

• - the assistant will help you find information, and if you can鈥檛 find what you鈥檙e looking for you can ask to speak to an adviser.聽You can also access the digital assistant via the HMRC app.
• guidance notes and help sheets and provide a wealth of information if you鈥檙e stuck or confused.
• live webinars where you can ask questions or if you can鈥檛 join, you can watch recorded webinars on demand.
• 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 HMRC X (formerly Twitter) @HMRCcustomers to get the latest updates on Self Assessment services and useful reminders.
• 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.

During January, we鈥檙e supporting customers who have queries about Self Assessment payments, refunds and who need help completing their tax return on our helpline. For all other queries go online where you鈥檒l find guidance, videos and tools that will help you. Go to 188体育 and search 鈥楽elf Assessment.鈥�