HMRC alert over deadline for 4.39 million folks in UK – you possibly can face nice
Certain taxpayers have just weeks to get things sorted or face the risk of a fine
Millions of taxpayers have been issued a warning as they have just weeks left to follow official tax guidance or face hefty penalties. The deadline for filing your online tax return if you are self-employed is January 31, 2026.
Data from the UK Labour Force Survey, which HMRC uses, reveals there were 4.39 million self-employed individuals in the UK during the July to September period this year. Failure to meet this deadline could result in an immediate £100 fine if your tax return is submitted up to three months late.
Beyond that point, you’ll be hit with additional daily penalties of £10 per day, capped at a maximum of £900. The penalty structure operates as follows: an initial £100 charge, followed by daily penalties of £10 after three months, reaching a cap of £900.
At the six-month mark, an additional penalty of either 5% of the tax owed or £300 applies, whichever sum is higher, reports the Express. After 12 months, another charge of 5% or £300 is levied, again whichever amount is greater.
Payment must be made within 30 days of receiving the penalty notice. If you need to amend your tax return after submission – perhaps due to an error – you can do so.
Your bill will be recalculated based on the updated information, potentially resulting in additional tax owed or a refund due.
Amendments to a tax return can be made within 12 months of the Self Assessment deadline, either online or by submitting another paper return. Lucy Pike, HMRC’s chief security officer, warned: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC.”
Brits may be required to complete a self-assessment tax return if they receive Child Benefit payments and need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge due to either them or their partner earning more than £50,000.
The Labour Party recommends using the online tool on the GOV.UK website to establish if you need to file a tax return.
