Paper filing date approaching fast
The standard filing date for a personal tax return is 31 January. However, if you submit paper returns you need to do it earlier. What is the paper filing date, and how can HMRC’s new videos help if you need to remove yourself from self-assessment?
Currently, the self-assessment system is mainly processed in arrears, i.e. returns and payments are due after the end of the tax year. Most taxpayers have a filing deadline of 31 January after the end of the relevant tax year, so have almost ten months to gather and report their information. However, if you complete a paper return you only get until 31 October. You therefore have less than two weeks to get the return to HMRC.
Before you do, you may want to review your circumstances to see if you still need to be in self-assessment at all. For example, if you have ceased a claim to child benefit due to the high income child benefit charge, or were self-employed but have ceased trading. HMRC has published two videos explaining how to withdraw online, one for self-employed and one for others.
Related Topics
-
Tribunal rejects reliance on adviser as reasonable excuse
A recent First-tier Tribunal decision has confirmed that relying on an accountant does not automatically amount to a reasonable excuse for missing a self-assessment deadline. The case highlights the limits of delegating tax responsibilities. What does this mean in practice?
-
HMRC issues new wave of offshore “nudge” letters
HMRC has issued a further round of “nudge” letters targeting individuals it believes may have undeclared offshore income or gains. The letters form part of HMRC’s ongoing use of data from international information exchange agreements. What should you do if you receive one?
-
Payroll changes for 2026/27
As the end of 2025/26 draws closer, HMRC has published a raft of updates and reminders for employers. Which changes do you need to be aware of that might impact your payroll in 2026/27?
This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.