The deadline for filing your 2021/22 self-assessment tax return online was 31st January 2023. The deadline for paper tax returns was 31st October 2022.
In some very rare situations, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may give you a different filing date for your tax return. But otherwise, it is not usually possible to get an extension to the filing deadline.
Regardless of how you filed your tax return, any outstanding tax should have been paid by 31st January 2023. Interest will be charged on late payments after this date.
What are the penalties for late tax returns?
If HMRC asked you to complete a tax return for 2021/22 and you miss the deadline, you will automatically be fined regardless of whether you’re just one minute late or how small your tax liability is. Even if you are due a refund, a penalty would also normally apply.
The penalties for filing your self-assessment tax return late are currently as follows:
- 1 day late – Automatic fixed penalty of £100. This applies even if you have no tax to pay or you have paid the tax you owe on time. This charge will kick in if you haven’t filed by 31st January 2023.
- 3 months late – £10 per day up to a 90 maximum of £900.
- 6 months late – £300 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is higher.
- 12 months late – £300 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is higher. In serious cases, you may even be asked to pay up to 100% of the tax due instead.
These penalties are in addition to one another, so the minimum late filing penalty for a tax return that is 12-months late will be upwards of £1,600 depending on the tax liability.
Penalties for late payment of tax are:
- 30 days late – 5% of tax due – This won’t be charged if you pay your tax due by 1st April. This deferment has been introduced as a result of the pandemic.
- Six months late – 5% of outstanding tax due at that date
- 12 months late – 5% of outstanding tax due at that date
It is also important to bear in mind that interest will be charged on top of these penalties on the outstanding tax due, plus any outstanding penalties due. This is charged at a rate of 2.75%.
My tax return is overdue, what should I do?
Firstly, you need to consider if the tax return is required or if you have a legitimate reason for the delay:
Cancelling a tax return
If you think you are not required to submit a tax return, you should telephone HMRC and request the tax return be withdrawn. If HMRC agrees, you no do not need to file a return and any penalties issued for missing the deadline should be cancelled.
Remember to note down who you spoke to and when, what outcome is expected and when you will receive their decision.
HMRC is unlikely to withdraw a return if you have been self-employed at any point during the tax year – even a very short time will count. Typically, you will only have two years from the end of the tax year for which the return is due to request its withdrawal, but it’s always better to deal with your tax affairs swiftly.
Reasonable excuses
If you have a good reason for the delay, you may be able to appeal against the penalty.
HMRC lists several common examples of Reasonable Excuses on its website.
These include:
- Your partner or another close relative died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline
- You had an unexpected stay in hospital that prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs
- You had a serious or life-threatening illness
- Your computer or software failed just before or while you were preparing your online return
- Service issues with HMRC online services
- A fire, flood or theft prevented you from completing your tax return
- Postal delays that you couldn’t have predicted
- Delays related to a disability you have
What’s unlikely to be reasonable excuse?
The following aren’t usually accepted as a reasonable excuse:
- you relied on someone else to send your return and they didn’t
- your cheque bounced or payment failed because you didn’t have enough money
- you found the HMRC online system too difficult to use
- you didn’t get a reminder from HMRC
- you made a mistake on your tax return
HMRC also revealed some of the most outlandish excuses it received here.
If you’ve missed the deadline, file your tax return as quickly as possible
If the tax return can’t be withdrawn and you don’t have a good excuse, the next best thing is to file your tax return as soon as is practical – even if you can’t afford your tax bill yet. As you’ve seen, the late filing penalties will increase the longer the delay.
How long do I have to change my tax return?
If you make a mistake on your tax return, you can amend it but you must make your changes by 31st January 2024 for a 2021/22 self-assessment tax return.
Need more help?
We love working with self-employed professionals and independent business owners and if you are not receiving the service and support you deserve from your accountant then please talk to us on 020 8554 2020 or use our online enquiry form. We offer free initial consultations, advice, and support over the phone or via video meeting if you have any concerns about face-to-face meetings.