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Self Assessment deadline: A guide to filing your tax return

Self Assessment deadline: A guide to filing your tax return
Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events

Posted: Mon 23rd Oct 2023

With the 2024 deadline approaching for filing 2022-23 Self Assessment tax returns, here's a guide to what you need to know with resources to help.

When is the 2022-23 Self Assessment deadline?

The deadline for filing a paper 2022-23 Self Assessment tax return is 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

The deadline for filing an online 2022-23 Self Assessment tax return is 11.59pm on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

What does the 2022-23 Self Assessment return cover?

The 2022-23 Self Assessment tax return covers income, earnings and payments between 6 April 2022 and 5 April 2023.

Who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return?

You must send a tax return if, in the last tax year (6 April to 5 April), you were:

  • self-employed as a 'sole trader' and earned more than £1,000 (before taking off anything you can claim tax relief on)

  • a partner in a business partnership

You may need to send a Self Assessment tax return if you have any other untaxed income from the 2022-23 tax year, such as:

Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return

What are the penalties for late tax returns?

HMRC said it "will treat those with genuine excuses leniently" as it "focuses on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders".

Customers who provide HMRC with a "reasonable excuse" before the 31 January deadline can avoid a penalty.

The penalties for late tax returns 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 three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900

  • after six 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 of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months.

HMRC's Time to Pay service allows any individual or business the option to spread tax payments over time. Self Assessment taxpayers with up to £30,000 of tax debt can do this online once they have filed their return.    

If you owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, you should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.

Find more details about Time to Pay

How do you file your Self Assessment tax return?

You can file your tax return online. In some circumstances, you cannot file your tax return online and must use commercial software or download forms instead. Learn more

How do you pay your Self Assessment tax bill?

Once your Self Assessment tax return has been filed, you can pay your tax bill in several ways.

Note that the time you need to allow for the payment to clear varies depending on how you pay. Remember that if HMRC has not received your payment by the 31 January deadline, it will be considered as late and you may face a penalty.

Same or next day

Three working days

Five working days

Advice for filing your Self Assessment tax return

You can also call HMRC's Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.

HMRC warns that the helpline is usually extremely busy in January and business owners are encouraged to use online resources.

Relevant resources

Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events
I'm a freelance content creator and event host who helps small businesses and the organisations that support them. I'm also Enterprise Nation's Local Leader for Bristol. I have 20 years of experience as a small business journalist having interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from billionaires like Sir Richard Branson to the founders behind brand new start-ups. I've worked for a range of leading small business publications and support groups, most recently as head of content at Enterprise Nation where I was responsible for the prolific output of content on the company's blog and social media. I now freelance for Enterprise Nation including hosting the Small Business sessions podcast. I'm based in Bristol where I run and host regular events with the local small business community in my role as Enterprise Nation's Local Leader for Bristol. I also have strong connections with other major business organisations in the south west region. In total, I've hosted over 100 events including conferences with an audience of hundreds for international brands like Xero and Facebook and live web chats from inside 10 Downing Street. With my partner, I co-run Lifestyle District, a lifestyle blog focused on culture, art, theatre and photography.

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