Changes to self-assessment deadlines

Date: 26th September 2008

People who are required to file a self-assessment tax return this financial year have been advised that some changes have been made.

One of the major differences is that the deadline for paper filing is now October 31st, not September 30th, with the deadline for online tax returns being January 31st 2009.

The change has been introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to encourage people to file online, which has also led the department to cease issuing pre-paid tax envelopes.

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, wrote on the BBC website: "For those who always filed in the past by September 30th, this is good news as they have an additional month to file their paper returns and still be assured that HMRC will be obliged to calculate their tax for them."

People who need to complete a self-assessment tax return include those who are self-employed (either as a sole trader or in a partnership), company directors and those who receive untaxed income from a trust or settlement.