File online or pay £100 fine, taxpayers told

Date: 10th November 2010

UK taxpayers who have yet to file their paper-based self-assessment tax returns have been issued an ultimatum by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The department has urged anyone who missed the October 31st deadline to file their return online or face the prospect of a £100 penalty charge.

Online filing is now the only option for those looking to avoid a fine and HMRC has stated that the deadline for such tax returns will be January 31st 2011.

Those looking to take advantage of this reprieve have been urged not to leave things until the last minute again as registration for online services can take some time.

HMRC explained: "If you're filing your return online for the first time, you'll first need to register for online filing at www.hmrc.gov.uk/online. You'll be given a User ID, and an Activation Code will be posted to you within seven working days. Once you've received your Activation Code you can file online.

"If you've filed online before, make sure that you have your User ID and password - it can take seven working days to get replacements, so don't leave it to the last minute if you need them."

Posted by Emily Smith