Overview
- Official figures show more than 6.36 million returns submitted and about 5.65 million still outstanding for 2024–25, with 54,053 filed across New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day including 342 in the final hour of 2025.
- The online filing deadline and payment due date are both 31 January 2026, covering any tax owed for 2024–25 and, for many, the first payment on account.
- Self‑employed people may face larger January bills because payments on account—typically half of last year’s liability per instalment—can combine with any balancing payment.
- Late filing triggers a £100 fixed penalty, then £10 per day after three months up to £900, plus further 5% charges at six and 12 months; late payment penalties and interest are applied separately.
- HMRC says taxpayers can start and save returns, pay via the HMRC app, set reminders, contact the department before 31 January if they cannot meet the deadline, and stay alert to scams.