17/03/2020
Record numbers sent in 2018/19 tax returns through self-assessment
Almost a million taxpayers missed the self-assessment deadline on 31 January, despite record numbers of compliance.
Figures from HMRC showed that a record 11,122,967 taxpayers out of 11.7 million beat the midnight self-assessment deadline for 2018/19 on 31 January 2020.
Those who had untaxed income above the tax-free allowances needed to complete tax returns.
A record 10.4m filed their returns online, with the rest getting their returns in before the paper deadline on 31 October 2019.
Some 702,171 tax returns went in on deadline day, and the peak filing hour was between 4pm and 5pm with 56,969 returns sent in.
Amazingly, 26,562 people filed their returns less than an hour before the deadline.
Angela MacDonald, director-general for customer services at HMRC, said:
“It’s great to see that the majority of customers have submitted and paid their tax returns before 31 January.
“Anyone yet to file or pay should contact HMRC straight away because we are here to help.”
The 958,296 taxpayers who missed the 2018/19 deadline rose from 731,186 on the previous year, when 11,564,363 were due.
HMRC can demand penalties of £100 for late filing during the first three months after missing the deadline, after which additional fines can apply.
For further information on Self Assessment Tax Returns, please contact Helen Spalding on 023 8046 1234.
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