Every January, the same question pops up for thousands of UK taxpayers: “When exactly is my tax return due?”
Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, a company director, or filing for the first time, understanding the deadline is crucial – especially if January has crept up faster than expected.
The Self Assessment deadline isn’t just about submitting a form; it’s about staying compliant, avoiding unnecessary penalties, and keeping HMRC off your back. Knowing the date – and what it actually means – puts you back in control and gives you options, even if time feels tight.
For most UK taxpayers, the key deadline is:
- 31 January: Deadline to:
- File your online Self Assessment tax return
- Pay any tax owed for the previous tax year
Missing this deadline can lead to penalties and interest, but it doesn’t automatically mean the worst-case scenario. What really matters is how quickly you act and what you do next – and that’s where the right advice can make all the difference.
I’ve Left It Until January – What Should I Do First?
Take a breath. Then do these four things in order:
1. Gather What You Can (Don’t Aim for Perfect)
You don’t need everything neatly labelled. Start with:
- P60s or P45s
- Details of self-employed income
- Dividend statements
- Rental income records
- Pension contributions
- Any expenses you remember paying
An accountant can help fill gaps – missing info is common in January.
2. Check If You’re Actually Required to File
Not everyone who receives a reminder must submit a return. You may not need to file if:
- All income was taxed at source
- You earned under the Self Assessment threshold
- HMRC issued the return in error
An accountant can confirm this quickly and potentially save you unnecessary work.
3. Speak to an Accountant Immediately
January is busy, but it’s not too late.
A good accountant can:
- Complete your return quickly
- Spot allowable expenses you may miss
- Reduce your tax bill legally
- Submit on your behalf
- Deal with HMRC directly
Many firms specialise in last-minute January filings.
4. Don’t Ignore It (This Is the Worst Option)
Ignoring the deadline leads to:
- Automatic £100 late filing penalty
- Daily penalties after 3 months
- Interest on unpaid tax
- Escalating stress (free of charge, courtesy of HMRC)
Even filing late is better than not filing at all.
What If I Miss the 31 January Deadline?
If you miss the deadline, penalties can apply – but action still matters.
Late Filing Penalties Explained
- £100 immediate fine
- After 3 months: £10 per day (up to £900)
- After 6 months: additional penalties
- Interest charged on unpaid tax
However, HMRC is often more reasonable when you act quickly and communicate properly – especially through an accountant.
Can an Accountant Still Help in January?
Absolutely – and January is when accountants are most valuable.
They can:
- Fast-track your return
- Submit accurate figures under pressure
- Handle HMRC correspondence
- Advise on payment plans if cash flow is tight
- Correct previous mistakes
If you’re overwhelmed, outsourcing this now can save money and sanity.
What If I Can’t Pay My Tax Bill Right Now?
This is more common than people admit.
Options may include:
- HMRC Time to Pay arrangements
- Staged payments
- Reducing liability through legitimate reliefs
An accountant can negotiate directly with HMRC and help avoid unnecessary penalties.
How Long Does a Tax Return Take With an Accountant?
It depends on complexity, but:
- Simple returns can often be done in a few days
- More complex cases may take a week or two
- January delays usually come from missing information – not the accountant
The sooner you engage help, the smoother it goes.
Final Thought: January Isn’t Too Late – Doing Nothing Is
If you’ve left your Self Assessment until January, you still have options. The key is acting now, not panicking, and getting the right support.
A good accountant can turn a stressful January scramble into a manageable, compliant, and often cheaper outcome.
Need Help With a Last-Minute Tax Return?
If you’re cutting it close to the Self Assessment deadline, speaking to an accountant now could save you penalties, time, and unnecessary stress.
📞 Call us at: 01277 236 246
✉️ Email: info@plan-a.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.plan-a.co.uk