The deadline for submitting your self assessment tax return for the 21/22 tax year is the last day of January 2023.
If you miss the deadline an initial £100 penalty is usually charged by HMRC with more penalties imposed depending on how quickly you submit your tax return after the 31st January deadline.
For individuals who owe tax interest is added on the amount of tax you owe which is in addition to any applicable late penalties.
If you don’t think you meet the self assessment criteria for the 21/22 tax year and HMRC have asked you to submit one you should tell them as soon as possible.
Sometimes HMRC need to be updated by you with changes to your circumstances so they can cancel any unnecessary tax returns.
HMRC time to pay for the 21/22 tax year
Time to pay is an option given to people who owe HMRC tax and are unable to pay the full amount all at once.
If you are delaying submitting your 21/22 tax return because you are worried about owing HMRC tax it’s good to know that HMRC are there to help if you ask.
HMRC time to pay can allow for a payment plan to be set up which spreads the payment of tax that you owe over an agreed period of time (up to 12 months normally).
The self assessment payment plan can be accessed and set up online through your tax account. If this isn’t possible you should phone HMRC to discuss your situation so they can arrange something different for you.
Christmas Day 2021/2022 tax returns
The festive period isn’t just about Christmas with 22,060 self assessment tax payers filing their 21/22 tax returns online between 24 and 26 December 2022.
HMRC reported six days ago that 3275 people submitted their tax return on Christmas Day with 8474 submitting on Christmas Eve and 10311 on Boxing Day.
It’s a good use of holiday time and means they have avoided any late submission penalties from HMRC.
2021/2022 Self assessment tax return support
HMRC provides free support to help you with your tax return via a number of channels on and offline.
If you don’t want to pay an accountant to help you with your tax return it’s worth using the free support and advice made available by HMRC.
You can find lot’s of useful reference numbers (like your UTR number), figures and access to HMRC support links through your personal tax account or HMRC app.
Some of these include:
- HMRC’s digital assistantto find information and you can ask to speak to an HMRC adviser.
- Live online HMRC webinarsor recorded versions if you can’t make the live event.
- Technical support for HMRC online servicesif you are experiencing issues with your online account.
- Self assessment guidance notes and help sheetsso you can read more about each section of your self assessment tax return.
- Call HMRC on 0300 200 3300.
Late self assessment tax returns
HMRC are reasonable if you have a genuine excuse for submitting your tax return after the deadline. The important bit is to remember that HMRC can only help if you talk to them and explain what has happened.
A late self assessment penalty can be cancelled but only after your tax return has been submitted or cancelled by HMRC.
