Tax returns 2010-11 tax returns
The penalty for missing your tax return deadline can be high - so ensure you are organised and on time
Ways to submit your tax return
There are two ways to submit your tax return. You can either send a paper tax return to HMRC, or fill in your tax return online on the HMRC website.
Filing your tax return online has numerous advantages, which you can read more about on the Online tax returns page of this guide.
Depending on how you choose to submit your tax return, the deadline for sending it in will be different.
- Paper tax returns need to be filed by 31 October. So for tax returns relating to the year to 30 April 2012, for example, all paper returns would need to be submitted by 31 October 2012.
- The deadline for filing online is three months later - 31 January. So tax returns for the year to 30 April 2012 can be filed online up to 31 January 2013.
Important deadlines for your 2011-12 tax return
- 31 October 2012 This is the deadline for filing a paper tax return, whether you choose to work out how much tax your owe yourself or want HMRC to do it. However, if you receive notice that you must file a tax return after 31 July 2012 you'll need to send back the completed form within three months of the notice's date of issue.
- 30 December 2012 If you file your tax return online and also have earnings taxed under PAYE, you can opt to have overdue tax (if it is less than £2,000) collected by PAYE provided you file your online return by this date. The advantage of this is that any tax payable would be paid over 12 months from April 2012, rather than in a single lump sum by 31 January 2013.
- 31 January 2013 This is the final deadline for online tax returns, unless the notice to make an online tax return is issued by HMRC after 31 October 2012, in which case you have three months from the date of issue. This is also the deadline to pay any tax due for paper and online filers.
It's important to be aware that filing your tax return late, or failing to pay the tax you owe on time, will probably mean you face extra penalty fees and interest charges. You can read more about this on our Late tax returns and penalties for mistakes page.
To work out how much tax you will owe for the year 2011-12, you could also use the Which? Tax calculator.
- Are you self employed? Take a look at our guide for all tax matters
- Use the Which? Tax Calculator
- For any tax query, call our experts on the Which? Money Helpline
