HMRC has warned taxpayers not to leave their self assessment until the last minute, with more than three million people still to file their 2024–25 returns and pay any tax due by Saturday, 31 January.
Because the deadline falls on a Saturday, HMRC’s phone helplines will not be open on deadline day. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm in January, then close at 6pm on Friday, 30 January and reopen at 8am on Monday,, 2 February. If you need to speak to an adviser, you’ll need to do it before the close of play on Friday.
Support, however, will still be available online. On Saturday, 31 January, HMRC will provide webchat via its Online Services Helpdesk, and its digital assistant (Ask HMRC online) remains available to answer common questions and signpost guidance.
Missing the deadline triggers an automatic £100 late-filing penalty. Further penalties and interest can apply if the return or payment is late, so it’s worth acting now, even if you still need to finalise a few figures. HMRC says it will only cancel penalties where you have a “reasonable excuse”, and the bar can be high.
If you’re worried about paying your bill, HMRC may let you set up a payment plan online, but you’ll need to act.
If your tax affairs are complicated, for example, property income, capital gains or crypto disposals, consider getting professional help. A slight mistake can cost far more than the fee to put it right.
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