The deadline for filing your 2023/24 tax return was 31st January 2025, but if you missed it, you’re not alone—around 1.1 million taxpayers have also failed to file on time this year.
Unfortunately, missing the deadline comes at a cost. A £100 late filing penalty is automatically applied, and additional fines will accrue the longer you delay. That’s why it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible.
To help you get back on track, we’ve put together this simple, step-by-step guide to filing your late tax return and minimising penalties. Follow these four essential steps and take control of your tax situation today.
The first step is to understand if a self-assessment tax return is required.
HMRC do sometimes issue a notice to complete a tax return when one is not actually due. This often happens when there has been a change in circumstances. For example if you were self-employed in a previous tax year, but in 2023/24 you were employed.
To check whether a tax return is required use this tool provided by HMRC.
By successfully removing the requirement to file a tax return, the associated penalties for not filing will also be removed. If a tax return is required, move on to step 2.
In the previous step, you established that your tax return was required, but it wasn’t filed on time. Do you have a reasonable excuse for the tax return being late?
HMRC have heard every single excuse going, so this can be a challenge. However, if you do have a genuine reason, they will at least consider your appeal.
Typically, the appeal is based on something unexpected or outside of your control. Therefore, to strengthen your case the sooner you file your tax return the more chance it will be successful. For example an appeal based on your computer or software not working, is more likely to be successful, if you filed the tax return a few days later, when the problem was fixed.
Here are some of the reasons, which HMRC may consider as a reasonable excuse. If you don’t have a reasonable excuse move on to step 3.
We’ve established in the previous steps that a tax return was required and the late filing can’t be excused. As a result, the penalties must be addressed.
The good news is, if you file your tax return in February 2025, the late filing penalty is only £100.
The bad news is that by waiting just a few months and filing on say 28th July 2025, the penalty increases to £990.
See our full breakdown of the late personal tax return penalties.
The key point from the previous step was don’t delay. The longer you take to file the tax return the higher the tax penalties.
There are many ways to file a tax return, including numerous software providers.
Alternatively you can appoint an accountant, who will deal with HMRC and get your late tax return filed.
As a firm of Chartered Accountants we can assist in getting your tax affairs up to date. We will always consider grounds to appeal any penalties with HMRC. By appointing ourselves as your tax agent we will communicate with HMRC directly on your behalf.
Don’t delay any longer and call the Darlington Accounts Office on 01325 508688, or the Bishop Auckland Accounts Office on 01388 448208 or email us at advice@pattersonhallaccountants.co.uk
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