Is your self-assessment tax return still outstanding?

Date: 20/04/15

Is your self-assessment tax return still outstanding?

People are reminded that if they still haven’t submitted their self-assessment tax returns, additional fines will soon be charged.

From 1 May, people that have yet to send HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) their returns will incur a five per cent or £300 penalty if their 2013-14 paper self-assessment form is outstanding.  Daily penalties of £10 per day for a maximum of 90 days will commence from the same date if an online self-assessment return is outstanding.

Figures from HMRC issued in February showed that more than 890,000 people failed to return their self-assessment tax returns in time for this year’s online deadline of 31 January 2015.  These people will have received a £100 late filing penalty but if a return is more than three months late, daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900, are charged.

If you leave it longer and a return is not filed within six months, an additional penalty of £300 or five per cent of the tax due for the tax year is applied, depending whichever is greater.  This adds up to a total of at least £1,300 due, even if it is discovered that you do not owe any tax at all.

A further penalty will be issued if the return is not filed within 12 months; although at this point HMRC can regard a case as being more serious and a higher penalty of up to 100 per cent of the tax due can be issued.

If you feel unable to complete and file your return or are worried about potential errors in the return you wish to send then the best step may be to seek professional help.  By speaking with an accountant you can ensure your documents are accurate, removing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Failing to file your tax return on time can have large implications for you and your business, but with professional help, the late-filing fines can be kept to a minimum.

For more information please contact Susie Campion.


Susie Campion FCCA

Author: Susie Campion FCCA

Educated at Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, Susie joined Scott & Wilkinson in 1995 and qualified as an accountant in 2002. As a Director, Susie’s specialisms include managing the firm's large group audits and leading on staff...

Read More

Share this article:


0 Comment


Nobody has commented yet. Why not add one?

Add your Comment

We have the ability to edit and/or delete posts and comments. Links should be relevant to the topics. Please note all comments are subject to review before inclusion.


Register to comment


Arrange your free consultation

We offer a free, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced advisors to discuss all your business and accounting requirements. Complete the request form and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch shortly to arrange your consultation.

Arrange Now

Memberships & Accreditations

When appointing a firm of accountants it is important to check that they are appropriately registered and regulated.

Our clients can be assured that Scott & Wilkinson is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities and is an authorised training partner.