HMRC reminds people of online tax return deadline

Taxpayers who did not send a paper tax return for the 2011-12 financial year are being reminded that they must do so online to avoid receiving a penalty.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned that anyone who submits a paper return on or after November 1st will now be liable to a £100 penalty.

But those who have not already done so have until January 31st next year to submit their return via the internet, therefore avoiding any penalty for missing the paper deadline.

It explained: "Your online tax return must reach HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by 31 January 2013. If you haven't sent an online tax return before, make sure you register for HMRC Online Services in good time."

Penalties will again apply if the online submission is sent in past the deadline, with an immediate £100 fixed penalty sent on irrespective of how much tax there is to pay. Further fines will be sent depending on how late it is.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Last updated: 2nd November 2012