If you send HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) a paper tax return from November onwards, you’ll receive a £100 late-filing penalty – even if you have no tax to pay, or you pay your tax bill on time. This is because the 31 October deadline for 2012/13 paper tax returns has now passed.
Anyone who hasn’t sent in their 2012/13 tax return must do it online by 31 January 2014.
To send an online tax return, you must be registered for HMRC Online Services. This involves HMRC sending you an Activation Code in the post, so allow time for this to arrive. To register for HMRC Online Services go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/online and follow the on-screen instructions.
For general help and advice on completing a return, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or call the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310 (open 8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8.00am to 4.00pm on Saturdays).