Self-assessment tax returns
The deadline was 31 January - what to do if you still need to file
Just under a million people missed last Friday's deadline for filing their self-assessment tax returns and will face a fine of at least £100 – here's what you need to do if you still haven't filed.
Update Fri 22 Jan: This guide has been temporarily archived, and may look a little out of date.
Why has this guide been archived? It's because since the coronavirus pandemic began, the way self-assessment operates has been different. This guide is still useful for general self-assessment principles though.
Where can I find the latest self-assessment updates? For all the latest information about 2019/20 tax returns, 'on-account' payments and remaining tax owed from 2019/20, see our Self-employed? Don't miss 31 Jan deadline MSE News story.
Who needs to file a self-assessment tax return?
How do I file my tax return online?
If you've filed a return online in previous years, you should just be able to log in to your self-assessment account with your Government Gateway or Gov.uk Verify details and get on with it straight away.
However if you haven't filed online before or have forgotten your details, read on...
How to register to file a self-assessment return online
The deadline to file was the 31st January 2020 and has now passed.
But if you do need to file a self-assessment tax return there are two things you need to do ASAP:
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File a complete self-assessment tax return for the 2018/19 tax year. You'll need to do this online, as the deadline for filing a paper return was 31 October 2019 and paper returns are no longer being accepted.
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Pay your tax bill. You'll need to pay any tax you owe for 2018/19, plus in many cases a payment towards what you'll owe for 2019/20.
You'll need to register for self-assessment on the HMRC website, so you can be sent your unique taxpayer reference (UTR). If you've filed a return previously, you should already be registered.
If it's your first time filing your tax return online, you'll also need to set up an online account and be sent an activation code.
Bear in mind that the UTR and activation code are sent by post and can take up to 10 working days to arrive (or 21 working days if you're abroad) – so you should start the process as soon as possible.
What if I've filed online before but lost my login details or password?
If you've filed your return online before but forgotten your details, it's possible to retrieve or reset these online:
Forgotten your Government Gateway details? You can retrieve your user ID or reset your password – you'll need to provide some info such as your National Insurance number.
Forgotten your Gov.uk Verify details? You'll need to use the forgotten username or password function of the provider which has verified your identity. See Gov.uk for more.
If you're signing into your self-assessment account for the first time and have forgotten your unique taxpayer reference number, you should be able to find it on previous tax returns or other documents from HMRC, such as payment reminders or the letter you were sent when you signed up.
If you can't find your unique reference anywhere, you can phone the self-assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.
Can I file a paper return instead?
The deadline for filing paper returns was 31 October 2019 – so at this stage you MUST file your return online to avoid paying a penalty.
What must I pay by 31 January?
How can I pay?
You can pay your tax bill by bank transfer, debit card or cheque. You can also pay at your bank or building society if you have a paying-in slip from HMRC.
HMRC accepts money under the Faster Payments system, which allows cash to go through in two hours. However, each bank has a limit on how much you can transfer under Faster Payments. The limits range from £5,000 to £100,000. See each provider's limit.
You can no longer pay the bill using a personal credit card or at the Post Office.
What if I can't afford to pay the tax?
If your bill is correct but you find you can't afford it, contact HMRC as soon as possible as you may be able to avoid late payment penalties by coming to an arrangement to spread your payments over a period of time. (Also, see our Free Tax Code Calculator to ensure you're on the right tax code).
You'll need a reasonable excuse for not paying your tax on time. This is usually something unexpected or outside your control that stopped you meeting a tax obligation, for example:
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Your partner or another close relative died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline.
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You had an unexpected stay in hospital that prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs.
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You had a serious or life-threatening illness.
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Your computer or software failed just before or while you were preparing your online return.
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Issues with HMRC's online services.
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A fire, flood or theft prevented you from completing your tax return.
What if I missed the deadline?
Who should I contact for further advice?
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