If you file a personal tax return and didnt get your paper copy in before October 31st then you are being given a second chance by the HMRC and will have the opportunity to file your tax return online before January 31st.
It is important not to shy away from doing this as the penalties for late submission are now quite severe. Neil Hooton Accountancy can help you with this process, they are a no nonsence accountancy firm who can work with you whatever your needs, even if your accounting system is several carrier bags of paper, make sure you seek some expert help and support.
Deadlines for sending in your tax return
31 October: all paper returns
If you send in a paper tax return, it must reach HMRC by midnight on 31 October.
The deadline for paper tax returns is only later than 31 October if:
you receive the notice to file your tax return after the 31 July - in this case you'll have three months from the date you receive the notice if you want to send in a paper return
you're completing a paper return because there is no software available to file your tax return online (for example Non-Resident Companies) or you've been told by HMRC that you're not allowed to file online - in these cases you'll have until 31 January to send in your return
31 January: online returns
If you send your tax return online, it must reach HMRC by midnight on 31 January.
The deadline is earlier if you owe tax of less than £2,000 and you want HMRC to collect it by reducing your Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax code next year. In this case you need to send your tax return online by 30 December instead. HMRC will try to amend your code number, but it's not always possible, and you may still have to make a payment instead by 31 January.
The deadline is only later than 31 January if you received the notice to file your tax return after 31 October. You'll then have three months from the date you receive the notice to send your return online.
Tax return receipts and acknowledgments
HMRC doesn’t issue receipts for paper tax returns. However if you file online you'll get an on-screen acknowledgment once they've received your return.
Penalties if you miss the tax return deadline
If HMRC receives your tax return after the filing deadline, you'll be charged an automatic £100 penalty.
If a Partnership Tax Return is late there’s a £100 penalty for each partner.
If a Trust and Estate Tax Return is late there's a £100 charge to the trust or estate.
Having a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline
You won't have to pay a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline. There's no hard and fast rule on this but usually the delay must be completely due to an exceptional or major unexpected event that's outside your control.
If you've got a reasonable excuse you can ask for a penalty to be reconsidered. HMRC will look carefully at the information you provide and any other evidence that’s available. You should make any claim as soon as possible - don’t wait until you receive the penalty.
