Over 93% of taxpayers file tax returns by the deadline

Self Assessment Online

A total of 93.68% of Self Assessment tax returns, a new record, were completed by yesterday’s midnight deadline, revealed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

More than 11.5 million taxpayers were required to file their 2017/18 tax returns by 11.59pm on 31 January. The majority filed on time, but 700,000 taxpayers missed the deadline.

More than 700,000 taxpayers submitted their tax returns on deadline day, the peak hour for filing was 4pm to 5pm when 60,000 filed. The number of taxpayers who filed online soared to more than 10.1 million for the first time.

Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “It is great to see so many people completing their Self Assessment by the deadline. Their income tax contributions have helped towards funding the UK’s vital public services including hospitals, schools and the emergency services.”

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Thank you to everyone who filed on time. This year, we had a record numbers of filers completing their tax returns by the deadline. And for any customers who are yet to file their returns, please contact HMRC – we are here to help.”

Any taxpayer who has missed the deadline should contact HMRC. The department will treat those with genuine excuses leniently, as it focuses penalties on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders. The excuse must be genuine and HMRC may ask for evidence.

Last month, HMRC revealed the top five weird excuses and outlandish expense claims that were not accepted as reasonable or genuine reasons for missing the deadline. These taxpayers were required to pay a £100 penalty in addition to any tax owed.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125497/from-witches-to-family-holidays-weird-and-wonderful-selfassessment-excuses-and-expenses