New Tax Return Filing Deadline For Paper Returns

Prior to the 2008 tax year, the deadline of 30th September was applicable to taxpayers who did not calculate their own tax liability, and the 31st January applied to taxpayers who did calculate their liability, or engaged a professional advisor to do so.  

For the tax year ending on 5th April 2008, taxpayers can submit paper returns upto the deadline of 31 October without incurring a penalty. Any paper returns submitted after this date will be accepted but treated as late, and may be liable to a £100 filing penalty if the tax liability is not paid by 31st January 2009. 

The changes were implemented to encourage taxpayers to file their tax returns online. Therefore if you are unable to file on paper before the 31st October deadline, you will need to register  and submit your 2007/08 tax return using the HMRC online system or contact your local TaxAssist accountant to do this for you.

Date published 5 Dec 2012

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.