HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed how many people missed the January 31 deadline
More than 11.48 million people managed to file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by the January 31 deadline, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). However, approximately one million people missed the cut-off and now face £100 penalties, which could potentially increase over the coming months.
The tax authority revealed that a staggering 475,722 taxpayers left it until the last day to submit their return. On the final day, 27,456 people filed in the eleventh hour – between 11pm and 11.59pm.
The peak hour for submissions was from 5pm to 5.59pm, with 32,982 people filing. HMRC advisers dealt with 5,409 webchats and fielded 10,483 calls to the helplines, which were unusually open on a Saturday to offer extra support on the deadline day.
HMRC expected more than 12 million Self Assessment customers to file a tax return and settle any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by January 31. HMRC has urged anyone who needed to file a return and missed the deadline to fulfil their tax obligations as soon as possible, as penalties for late filing and late payment will be imposed.
Customers can now file their tax return and pay any outstanding tax via GOV.UK. One of the fastest ways to pay is through the HMRC app.
Time to Pay arrangements are available for those unable to settle their tax bill in full, provided they meet the relevant criteria. A comprehensive list of payment options can be found on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: “Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January. Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged. HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
The penalties for submitting a tax return late are:
There are also additional penalties for late payment – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.
Customers will be able to submit their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year from April 6, 2026.
Changes to HMRC tax rules from April 6, 2026
Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income exceeding £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from April 6, 2026, and be required to submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC. HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now – whether they’re signing up a client or themselves, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and signing up on GOV.UK to access the new service and start preparing now.
