HMRC is urging anyone who still needs to complete a Self Assessment return to file now, with eight days remaining until the 31 January deadline and an automatic £100 penalty for those who miss it.

So far, 8.6 million people have submitted returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year. Last year, more than 11.5 million filed on time; around 3.3 million remain outstanding this time.

Taxpayers and agents can access step-by-step guidance, webinars and YouTube videos on GOV.UK, and HMRC's online services are available 24/7.

After filing, the quickest way to pay any tax due is via the free HMRC app, which takes less than a minute. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Don't leave it until deadline day. Filing now will give you peace of mind that your tax return is completed and if you have tax to pay, you have a week to arrange payment.

"If you're worried about paying your tax bill, you may be able to set up a payment plan online – search 'difficulties paying HMRC' on GOV.UK." The deadline falls on a Saturday this year. HMRC's helplines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and will close on Friday 30 January, reopening on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, webchat support will be available via the Online Services Helpdesk.

Penalties for late tax returns are:

- an initial £100 fixed penalty, even if no tax is due or it is paid on time

- after 3 months, daily penalties of £10 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, whichever is greater

There are additional penalties for paying late: 5% of unpaid tax at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest is also charged on late amounts. HMRC will consider reasonable excuses for missing the deadline.

Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from 6 April 2026, submitting quarterly summaries. HMRC is encouraging eligible customers to sign up now via GOV.UK to get familiar with the new service.

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment (or Scotland's Pension Age Winter Heating Payment) on their 2024 to 2025 return; payments received in autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 return due by 31 January 2027.

Be alert to scams. HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text or email. Check the scams guidance on GOV.UK.