If you want to submit a paper copy of your tax return, you must do so by 31 October, following the end of the tax year. For the current 2014/15 tax year (ending on 5 April 2015), the deadline for paper returns is 31 October 2015. HMRC will then calculate what you owe and set a deadline for payment.
However, you can also file online by 31 January following the end of the tax year, and your bill will be calculated for you automatically.
Late filing penalties
Those who failed to file their Tax Return on time will face a penalty charge. These are:
one day late – £100 (even if you have no tax to pay)
three months late – £10 for each following day up to a 90-day maximum of £900
six months late – £300 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is greater
12 months late – £300 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is the higher.
This means if you are 12 months late then you’ll be hit with all of the above penalties i.e. staggering £1,600!
Late payment penalties
Those who failed to also pay their tax bill on time will face additional penalty charges. These are:
on 28 February 2015 – 5% of any unpaid tax as at that date
on 31 July 2015 – a further 5% of any tax still unpaid as at that date
on 31 January 2016 – a further 5% of any tax still unpaid as at that date
The above penalties are in addition to interest that will accrued from the 31 January 2015 tax due date.