Enter Your E-mail

HMRC have issued a reminder to anyone filing a Self Assessment tax return - file by 31 Janauary, or risk a £100 penalty.

Taxpayers who haven't yet filed their 2007/08 tax return (for the year ended 5 April 2008), must send it online to HMRC by the 31 January deadline - file on paper and you could receive a £100 penalty, as the new 31 October paper-filing deadline has now passed.

Those taxpayers new to online filing will need to register by visiting the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa and clicking "Register for Self Assessment Online". A pin number will then be posted out. Since it can take up to seven days to arrive, new applicants should register by 21 January, to allow enough time for the pin to arrive and for them to file the  return online.

31 January is also the deadline for paying any tax owed for the 2007/08 tax year. Interest charges will start to accrue from this date.

HMRC's Stephen Banyard said:

"Don't forget - if you are filing your return in January, you need to do it online. It is quick, secure and convenient, and if you have not filed online before there is plenty of help and support available."

Where to get help

A Self Assessment video podcast, offering help and advice on filling in tax returns, is available free from the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts. Further help is available on the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Look out for new tax codes

In January and February, HMRC will be writing to individuals with their new tax codes for the 2009/2010 tax year. Recipients only need to take action if they believe the tax code is incorrect - first check the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-codes.htm and if that doesn't provide an answer, contact the HMRC office quoted in the letter.