Self Assessment deadline: less than a month to go

5 Jan 2021 01:30 PM

Around 55% of Self Assessment customers have already filed their return, and HMRC is urging others to do so by 31 January.

Around 5.4 million Self Assessment customers have less than a month to complete their tax return, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) yesterday (05 January 2021) announced, ahead of the deadline on 31 January.

HMRC expects 12.1 million tax returns to be filed this year. Around 55% have already filed their returns, with more than 6.2 million choosing to submit online (93% of all returns filed).

Find help and support for filing Self Assessment tax returns.

Almost 18,000 customers chose to start the New Year by filing their tax returns on 1 January, with 1,943 completing their returns between 3pm and 3.59pm.

Those who are yet to file a return are being urged to act now, as it may be a more time-consuming process than anticipated.

Karl Khan, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Customer Services, yesterday said:

In what was a very difficult year for many, we are grateful to the 55% of our customers who have already submitted their returns.

HMRC is ready to offer support to those who are yet to file their returns or are worried about paying their tax bill, but they must act now so we can help before the deadline.

Once customers have completed their tax return, and know how much tax is owed, they can set up their own payment plan to help spread the cost of their tax liabilities, up to the value of £30,000. They can use the self-serve Time to Pay facility to set up monthly direct debits and this can all be done online. Interest will be applied to any outstanding balance from 1 February 2021.

To find out if they’re eligible, customers can visit GOV.UK to find out more about the Time to Pay facility.

Customers can also check on GOV.UK whether they need to declare, or possibly pay tax on any ‘casual’ income they receive. The new interactive guidance is quick and easy to use and explains what individuals need to do if they receive non-PAYE income from:

Be aware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams. Customers should always type in the full online address www.gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for their Self Assessment tax return online securely and free of charge.

They also need to be alert if someone calls, emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, saying that they can claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax - it might be a scam. Check GOV.UK for examples of HMRC-related scams and information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact.

Further information

Self Assessment facts:

These figures include a forecasted adjustment for create return charge and unsolicited returns.

Find detailed information about Self Assessment.

Help and support is available to customers completing their Self Assessment tax return on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.

If a customer’s Self Assessment debts are over £30,000, or they need longer than 12 months to pay their debt in full, they may still be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement by calling the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822

To protect against identity fraud customers must verify their identity when accessing HMRC’s online services.

They must have 2 sources of information including:

Follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s 6 essential steps to keep yourself and your business secure online.

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