HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is advising the 5.4 million taxpayers who have not to file their tax returns to do so immediately in order to avoid expensive fines as the Self Assessment tax return deadline of January 31, 2025, draws near.
According to the most recent data, over 38,000 people finished their tax returns before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, and thousands of people have already completed their taxes for the year.
The Significance of Timely Submission of Your Self Assessment Tax Return
In order to prevent last-minute stress and needless penalties, HMRC advises people to file their tax returns well in advance of the deadline each year.
Those who have not yet filed for the 2023–2024 tax year risk heavy fines if they miss the deadline of January 31.
Important Justifications for On-Time Filing:
Prevent Penalties There may be a fixed penalty for missing the deadline, and more penalties may apply if the return is further delayed.
On-time Payment Supports Public Services: Filing your taxes contributes to the funding of vital public services including healthcare, education, and more.
The government’s change plan: The government’s larger objectives for investment and economic stability are supported when you file your taxes and make your payments on time.
The Countdown to the Deadline on January 31
5.4 million individuals have failed to file their Self Assessment tax returns as of early January.
HMRC is advising all taxpayers to act immediately in order to prevent the financial consequences of late filing, as the deadline of January 31 is just a few weeks away.
How to Submit Your Tax Return for Self-Assessment
Using the online facilities offered by HMRC is the simplest and fastest way to file your tax return.
You can save your progress as you go along and use the platform to finish your return step-by-step. This makes it easier to collect all the required information because you may file at your own pace.
How to File Online:
Search for “Self Assessment” on GOV.UK.
Log in to your online account with HMRC.
Enter your income, expenses, and other pertinent data to finish your tax return.
Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, review and submit your return.
Use the HMRC app, which lets you set up alerts to remind you of crucial deadlines, or online banking to pay your tax payment.
Taxpayers With Prior Filing History
More than 24,800 taxpayers greeted the New Year by filing their returns on January 1, 2025, and another 38,000 did the same on New Year’s Eve, despite the fact that many people may still be delaying filing their taxes.
As evidenced by the fact that 310 persons filed on December 31 between 11:00 and 11:59 p.m., some people are adamant about meeting the deadline early.
Now is the perfect time to file your taxes if you haven’t already.
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Late Filing Penalties
Missing the filing deadline might have serious repercussions. A tiered penalty structure has been established by HMRC, and the longer you wait to file, the higher the penalty.
What Takes Place If You Miss the Deadline:
Even if you pay the tax due on time or have no outstanding balance, the initial £100 fixed penalty will still be applied. This is the standard late filing penalty.
£10 per day as a penalty: A £10 daily penalty will be applied after three months of non-filing, with a maximum penalty of £900.
5% Penalty After Six Months: After six months, your penalty is raised by an extra 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater.
An extra five percent Twelve months later: After a year, there is an extra £300 cost or 5%, whichever is higher.
If you fail to pay your taxes on time, there are further penalties:
After six, twelve, and thirty days, five percent of the outstanding tax is due.
Interest Applied on Past-Due Payments: Interest will be charged on any past-due taxes in addition to the penalties already indicated.
For individuals who have a good reason, HMRC allows fair treatment if you’re worried about missing the deadline. Notifying HMRC prior to January 31st is required in order to avoid penalty.
For whom is a self-assessment tax return required?
Individuals must self-assess under certain circumstances. The following are typical explanations for why you might need to file:
Self-employed people with gross incomes above £1,000.
In order to safeguard your State Pension or benefits, you may choose to voluntarily pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions even if your income is less than £1,000.
A business partnership with new partners.
Income Not Taxed: if your total income (from freelance work, rental income, etc.) exceeds £2,000.
High-Income Child Benefit Fee: You must file to pay the fee if you or your spouse made more than £50,000 and were receiving Child Benefit.
How to Make On-Time Tax Payments
The next important step after filing your taxes is to pay your tax bill. Thankfully, this procedure is easy and safe thanks to HMRC’s online services.
Accessible Methods of Payment:
Bank transfer: Pay HMRC using your online banking provider.
Credit card or debit card: Use the HMRC website to make a direct payment.
HMRC App: You can set up notifications to be reminded of impending payments and make payments while on the go using the HMRC app.
Advice for Preventing Tax Fraud
Being on the lookout for scammers is crucial as you get ready to submit your taxes. Criminals frequently deceive people into disclosing personal information or making fraudulent payments by sending them phoney emails, SMS, and phone calls.
Warning Signs of Tax Fraud:
Uninvited correspondence: It’s most likely a scam if you get a call, text, or email requesting for your money or personal information from someone posing as HMRC.
Threats and Urgency: Scammers will attempt to exert pressure on you by requesting immediate payment or threatening legal action.
Always confirm their contact information by visiting the official HMRC website or giving their helpline a call to make sure you’re speaking with HMRC.
In conclusion, take immediate action to prevent late filing penalties.
HMRC is urging all 5.4 million taxpayers who have not yet filed their Self Assessment tax forms to do so immediately, as the deadline of January 31, 2025, draws near.
You can prevent late filing stress, fines, and interest charges by filing your return early.
Using HMRC’s online services makes the procedure simple, regardless of your reasons for filing, such as being self-employed or receiving untaxed income. HMRC’s resources can help you navigate the procedure if you need assistance.
Why Missing the January 31st Deadline Is Unaffordable
Time is running out! Your Self-Assessment tax return for the 2023–2024 tax year must be filed by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Even if you owe no tax, you will still be subject to penalties for missing the deadline, which include a £100 charge.
If you don’t take immediate action, the penalties can escalate to include £10 daily fines (up to £900), further penalties after six months (5% of the tax owed or £300, whichever is more), and interest charges of 7.25% on unpaid taxes.
This is all the information you need to stay on top of your taxes and prevent expensive errors.
For whom is a self-assessment tax return required?
Self-assessment tax returns are not required for the majority of UK taxpayers. However, for the 2023–2024 tax year, a number of groups need to finish one. These consist of:
Self-Employed Workers: If your business or freelance revenue exceeded £1,000.
High Earners: If you made more than £150,000 in taxable income. For this tax year, the threshold was increased from £100,000; nonetheless, if your income falls between £100,000 and £150,000, be sure to verify your status.
Parents Getting Benefits for Their Children: In order to avoid a £100 fine, you or your#### How to Complete Your Self-Assessment Tax Return by January 31, 2025: The Complete Guide!
For whom is a self-assessment tax return required?
Self-assessment tax returns are not required for the majority of UK taxpayers. For the 2023–2024 tax year, a number of groups must finish one, though. These consist of:
Self-Employed Workers: If your business or freelance revenue exceeded £1,000.
High-earners: if you made more than £150,000 in taxable income. For this tax year, the threshold was increased from £100,000; nonetheless, if your income falls between £100,000 and £150,000, be sure to verify your status.
Parents Getting Benefits for Their Children: You and your spouse may be required to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge if your combined income exceeds £50,000.
Rental Income: If you make money by leasing out real estate.
Untaxed Earnings: You might need to file a return for tips, commissions, or any other untaxed income.
Investment Income: If you earned more than £10,000 through dividends, shares, investments, or savings.
Foreign Income: If you have interests or income from outside sources.
Capital Gains: If the sale of assets results in the obligation to pay capital gains tax.
Did you miss the paper return deadline? Here’s What You Must Understand
You have until January 31st, 2024, to file your tax return online if you didn’t file it on paper by October 31st.
Don’t wait any longer because filing a paper return now will result in a fine. There’s no need to wait because HMRC has made online filing simpler than before.
How to Prevent Penalties and Interest Charges
On-time payment: Pay your taxes before January 31st, please. You can pay with a cheque, debit card or bank transfer.
Establish a Payment Schedule: To avoid penalties, get in touch with HMRC right once to set up a payment plan if you are unable to pay the entire amount by January 31st.
Remain organised: Keep track of due dates and payment plans, and make sure your paperwork is organised.
What Takes Place If You Don’t Meet the Deadline on January 31?
Here’s what you need to know because late filing fines can mount up quickly:
£100 Fixed Penalty:
Even if you don’t owe any taxes, this is automatically applied for late filing.
Penalties per day: After three months, there is a further £10 fine for each day your return is past due, up to a total of £900.
Six-Month Penalty: You will be billed £300 or 5% of your outstanding taxes, whichever is higher, after six months.
12-Month Penalty: An additional 5% fee or £300, whichever is higher.
Penalties for Late Payment: If you haven’t paid your taxes within 30 days, you will be assessed interest at a rate of 7.25%, in addition to 5% of the tax that isn’t paid at 6 and 12 months.
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Are You a Seller on Sites Like Airbnb, eBay, or Etsy? Verify Your Tax Duties
You may need to submit a Self-Assessment if you make money by renting out your house or selling goods online.
You must determine whether taxes are due on earnings over £1,000 from websites such as Airbnb, Etsy, or eBay. Don’t be surprised because HMRC is now automatically sharing the data it collects from these platforms.
What Would Happen If You Didn’t Register by the Deadline?
By October 5, 2024, you should have enrolled if you’re new to Self-Assessment. Don’t worry, though; you may still register and avoid further fines as long as you file your taxes and make your payment before January 31st.