Still not filed your self-assessment tax return? Make the midnight deadline to avoid a £100 fine - though the taxman will be lenient if you have a genuine excuse
The self-assessment deadline is TONIGHT. There's a £100 fine if you miss it - and 6% interest on any tax owed

The clock is ticking for the self-employed and others who need to complete a self-assessment tax return by midnight tonight (31 January 2023).
Around 2.7 million people were still yet to file a tax return for the 2021-22 tax year as of 26 January, according to HMRC.
Those expected to file a tax return include self-employed workers, landlords, higher earners paying back child benefit or claiming additional pension tax relief, and people who receive a foreign income.
Those who miss the 31 January deadline face a £100 fine. And then:
- After three months, a £10 daily penalty is added, up to a maximum of £900.
- Tax returns that are more than six months late incur further penalties: whichever is greater out of 5% of the tax due or £300 is charged.
- After one year, another 5% or £300 fine is added.
In addition, there’s a hefty 6% daily interest charge for those paying their tax bills late.
“Paying your tax bill late this year will cost over double in interest charges as HMRC’s official rate of interest has gone from 2.75% to 6% in the last 12 months,” notes Nimesh Shah, chief executive of the accountants' Blick Rothenberg.
But HMRC does say it will treat those with genuine excuses “leniently”, as it wants to focus on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders.
Late tax return fine risk
Will the 31 January deadline be extended?
The 31 January deadline has been extended for the past two years, due to the Covid pandemic, which left many people struggling to complete their accounts, and accountancy firms experiencing widespread staff shortages.
HMRC told The Money Edit that there are “no plans to extend the filing and payment deadline” this year.
Shah advised those who haven’t yet filed their 2021-22 return to act quickly and submit their return and pay their tax by 31 January to avoid being slapped with “unpleasant” late filing penalties and interest.
He added: “They need to get organised and gather the information they may need. They may also need to request information from their bank, pension provider or an employer, so they should act now.”
What are the penalties for missing the deadline?
Self-assessment customers need to file their online tax return and pay any tax owed by midnight on Tuesday, 31 January.
Customers who provide a reasonable excuse before the 31 January deadline can avoid a penalty. Examples of reasonable excuses include an unexpected stay in the hospital, your computer breaking down and unexpected postal delays.
For more examples, have a look at our self-assessment guide.
For tips on how to fill in a tax return, how to pay your tax bill, what you can claim for, and common mistakes, read our self-assessment guide.
Ruth Emery is contributing editor at The Money Edit. Ruth is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.
-
-
Octopus Energy relaunches energy tracker deal – we explain what you need to know and if it could save you money
If you’re an Octopus Energy customer, you may be able to save on your energy bills with the relaunch of its tracker deal. We look at how it works
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
Three energy firms pay £8m in switching compensation - has your provider paid out?
More than 100,000 customers have received compensation after changing providers, but is now a good time to switch energy suppliers?
By Tom Higgins • Published
-
Octopus Energy relaunches energy tracker deal – we explain what you need to know and if it could save you money
If you’re an Octopus Energy customer, you may be able to save on your energy bills with the relaunch of its tracker deal. We look at how it works
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
Three energy firms pay £8m in switching compensation - has your provider paid out?
More than 100,000 customers have received compensation after changing providers, but is now a good time to switch energy suppliers?
By Tom Higgins • Published
-
HMRC tax credit renewal packs: act quickly to avoid losing benefit payments
Households receiving tax credits will be asked to confirm their details to ensure they continue to receive their entitlement. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out on up to £3,480 a year
By Tom Higgins • Published
-
Mobile provider rewards: how to earn up to £700
Your phone could be the key to unlocking hundreds of pounds worth of discounts and freebies that you don’t even know about. We reveal which mobile providers offer the best rewards
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
How much do cooking appliances cost to run?
Energy-saving cooking tips from the Energy Saving Trust
By Katie Binns • Published
-
Virgin Media leaves thousands without broadband: are customers entitled to compensation?
Tens of thousands of Virgin Media customers were hit by broadband outages yesterday. We explain your rights if your broadband goes down
By Katie Binns • Published
-
Broadband switching service delayed - how it will eventually work and why it’s crucial to switch
A broadband switching service designed to make it easier to change to a cheaper or faster deal has been delayed. We explain how you can still avoid huge increases to your monthly internet bill
By Katie Binns • Published
-
Heat pumps: why you can claim a £5,000 government grant for longer
Why you now have more time to apply for a government grant towards getting a heat pump in your home
By Sue Hayward • Published