Around 55% of Self Assessment customers have already filed their return, and HMRC is urging others to do so by 31 January.
According to HM Revenue and Customs, around 5.4 million Self Assessment filers have less than a month to complete their tax return.
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 filers 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 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, 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 filers have completed their tax return, and know how much tax is owed, they can set up a 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. However, interest is 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:
Filers 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:
- selling things, for example at car boot sales or auctions, or online
- doing casual jobs such as gardening, food delivery or babysitting
- charging other people for using your equipment or tools
- renting out property or part of their home, including for holidays (for example, through an agency or online)
Self Assessment facts
- 12.1 million total Self Assessment returns due
- 6.6 million returns received, as at 4 January 2021
- 5.4 million returns still to file, as at 4 January 2021
- 6.2 million returns, as at 4 January 2021, filed online (93% of total filed)
- 450,000 returns, as at 4 January 2021, filed on paper (7% of total filed)
These figures include a forecasted adjustment for create return charge and unsolicited returns.
Scams
Be aware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams. Customers should always type in the full online address http://www.gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for their Self Assessment tax return online securely and free of charge.
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.
PAYadvice.UK 6/1/2021
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