HMRC was expecting 12,029,168 Self Assessment returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, and some 11,489,825 returns were submitted by the 31 January 2026 deadline.
There were 475,722 taxpayers who waited until the final day to file their return, and another 539,343 who didn’t file at all!
Some 97.25% of returns were filed online, with HMRC receiving 316,000 paper tax returns.
The penalties for filing a tax return late are:
- An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time.
- After 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900.
- After 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater.
- After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater.
There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.
Taxpayers can file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year from 6 April 2026.
