Further reminder issued by HMRC

Date: 19th January 2010

Small businesses and sole traders are those who may need to seek tax advice should they miss this month's tax return deadline.

HMRC has issued yet another reminder that anyone who misses the January 31st cut-off point is likely to receive a £100 penalty fire.

Under the department's rules sole traders and other workers who are required to fill out self-assessment tax return forms have just 12 days left to do so.

Returns can now only be filled out using HMRC's online service as the deadline for paper filing expired last year.

Tax amounts which are still owed from the 2008-09 financial year must also be paid by the end of the month.

Sarah Walker, a spokesperson for the department, said: "The January 31st filing deadline is just around the corner, so if you haven't yet sent in your 2008-09 tax return, you need to take action now.

"Don't risk a penalty – make sure you file your return online and on time."