Tax returns Late tax returns and penalties for mistakes

Letters lying on a doormat

If you miss the deadline for filing your tax return or paying your bill, you could face harsh penalties

Late tax return penalties

If you miss the final deadline to file your 2012-13 return HMRC will charge you £100. The following fines are levied for subsequent missed deadlines:

  • Three months late - A fine of £10 for each following day up to a 90 day maximum of £900. This is in addition to the fixed penalty above, so the overall fine could be £1,000.
  • Six months late - A fine of either £300 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is the higher, will apply on top of the penalties above.
  • 12 months late - Another £300 fine or 5% of the tax due, whichever is the higher, will be added to your bill on top of the penalties above. In serious cases you may be asked to pay up to 100% of the tax due instead, as  well as any tax you owe, doubling your payment.

If you miss the 31 October 2013 deadline for paper returns, you can still register to file your return online, giving you until 31 January 2014 to get it in. Beware, however, if you submit a paper return after 31 October and incur the £100 fine, submitting an online return as well will not cancel the penalty. You can only file one tax return per year.

If you you need expert help with your tax returns, the Which? Money Helpline has a qualified team who can help with your queries. Sign up to Which? for just £1 and speak to one of our experts.

Late tax payment penalties

The deadline for paying tax for the 2012-13 tax year is 31 January 2014. If you miss this deadline you’ll be charged interest from the date the payment was due. The interest rate varies – you can check the current rate payable on HMRC's website.

If any of the tax bill remains unpaid by 28 February 2014, you'll be charged a 5% surcharge. An additional 5% is imposed on any of the tax bill which is unpaid by 31 July 2014.

Incorrect tax return penalties

There is a system of penalties for mistakes on your tax return, depending on whether HMRC thinks you have been careless or have tried to mislead them. 

Penalties are based on the amount of tax you owe, and are payable in addition to the tax owed.

  • If you have taken reasonable care to fill in your return correctly, you’ll have no penalty to pay.
  • If you have been careless, the penalty will be between 0% and 30% of the extra tax owing.
  • If you have deliberately underestimated your tax, the penalty is between 20% and 70%.
  • If you have deliberately underestimated your tax and attempted to conceal the fact, the penalty will be between 30% and 100%.

For further guidance on how to fill in the self-assessment form on paper, as well as advice on all aspects of the UK tax system, buy a copy of the Tax Handbook 2012/13.

Get help with filling in your tax return

To help taxpayers complete a return correctly, HMRC produces a 28-page guide, How to fill in your Tax Return (SA150). There is also an online demonstration of the self-assessment process on the HMRC website.

Taxpayers can get help from HMRC in writing, by telephone and face-to-face at HMRC offices:

  • The Self-Assessment Helpline (0845 900 0444) can offer general tax advice, and help with filling in your tax return. The service is open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.
  • For technical difficulties filling in your return online, contact the Online Services Helpdesk (0845 605 5999) for help. The service is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm.
  • If you are struggling to pay your tax on time, you can contact HMRC’s Payment Helpline on 0845 366 1204 for advice.
  • You can write to or visit your local tax office. To find your local HMRC office, use the HMRC tax office locator.

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