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Deadlines for filing your Self Assessment tax return

Filing your Self Assessment tax return online is fast and easy. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is committed to helping people handle their personal Self Assessment (SA) affairs online and we're making some changes to make it easier and more effective than doing it on paper. These changes to online filing are a result of Lord Carter's review of our online services.

Remember that if you file online, you'll get an instant calculation of what you owe and an immediate acknowledgement that we've received your return. Plus you can access the service any time of day or night - and you won't have to worry about catching the last post.

To support people moving to online filing there are some changes to:

  • filing dates
  • how long we have to start an enquiry into your return

This guide outlines the key changes and shows you where to find more help and support.

On this page:

Summary of changes to filing your Self Assessment tax return

From the 2007-08 tax year onwards:

  • filing deadlines will differ dependent upon whether you file online or paper returns
  • we will stop approving computer-generated paper 'substitute' SA tax returns
  • the SA 'enquiry window' will be 12 months from the actual filing date rather than from the return deadline date, giving you certainty about your tax affairs sooner

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Deadlines for filing your Self Assessment tax return

The deadlines for submitting your SA tax return have changed.

  • The deadline date for paper tax returns is now 31 October.
  • The deadline for tax returns filed online is 31 January. And if you do it online, the system will work out what you owe, saving you time.

However, there are a very small number of exceptions to these deadlines.
If you are:

  • a trustee of Registered Pension Schemes
  • a non-resident company liable to Income Tax
  • one of a very small number of taxpayers who cannot register to file online
  • required to complete the supplementary pages for MPs or Members of the National Assemblies

you will be allowed until 31 January to file a paper SA tax return without incurring a penalty.

If you file your Self Assessment tax return late, you will be liable to an automatic penalty. So if you were intending to complete a paper return but the 31 October deadline has passed, you can avoid a penalty by filing online before 31 January, so long as you have not already submitted a paper return.

Tax return deadlines and penalties

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Benefits of filing online

If you file your SA tax return online, the system will work out what you owe, saving you time. Filing online will also provide faster payment of money owed to HMRC and give you immediate acknowledgement that a return has been received.

Also, any discrepancies or mistakes are picked up instantly, reducing the need for requests for new or amended information.

Read more about how online filing can help you

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Changes to the Self Assessment 'enquiry window'

The SA 'enquiry window' is the period we have to query a return once it has been filed. That time is now 12 months from the date you file your return, rather than from the deadline date. This means that if you file your SA tax return earlier you will have certainty sooner.

More information on enquiries into your Self Assessment tax return

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Attaching documents to your return when filing online

Usually, it shouldn't be necessary for you to attach accompanying material with your return when you file it online, as extra information can be entered in the 'Additional Information' box.

However, if it is necessary for you to send us more information, you can attach documents through the online service. You will need to make sure that the documents you attach meet the technical specification we require.

Find out about attaching documents to your online Self Assessment return

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Get help with online filing

If you want more help with online filing, there's plenty available on our website.

Understanding and using Self Assessment Online

Software you can use for Self Assessment Online

If you need some more one-to-one advice, you can get it from our Online Services Helpdesk. Tel 0845 605 5999 between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm, seven days a week, or email the Online Services Helpdesk.

If you have any feedback for us on our SA online service, use the Feedback area of the website, and select 'Self Assessment Online' from the drop down menu.

Give us feedback

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Getting more information about Self Assessment

For advice on all aspects of managing your SA, visit the SA section of our website. You'll find detailed guidance on areas such as:

  • your tax return: the basics
  • file your tax return online
  • your tax bill, payments, deadlines, corrections and refunds
  • tax returns if you're self employed or in a partnership
  • dealing with a tax return for someone who has died
  • tax returns for trustees or charities
  • tax returns for registered pension schemes

Go to the Self Assessment section of this website

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