Women more likely to file their online tax returns on time

Female professionals are more likely to send their self-assessment tax returns in to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on time than men, according to new analysis from the tax authority.

The report found that for every 10,000 tax returns received by HMRC from men, 394 were submitted beyond the relevant deadlines – either the 31^st October paper-based deadline or the 31^st January online deadline.

However, for every 10,000 self-assessment returns submitted to HMRC by women, only 358 were received after the relevant paper-based and online deadlines.

As well as a gender gap, HMRC’s analysis also demonstrated a significant difference in filing behaviour between age groups.

Those eligible to submit a self-assessment return aged 18 to 20 were the worst offenders, with 1,085 in every 10,000 returns filed late.

At the other end of the spectrum, those aged 65 and over were said to be the most punctual, with only 155 out of every 10,000 tax returns missing either the paper-based or online deadline; indicating that the older you are, the more likely you are to heed HMRC’s filing deadlines and avoid a penalty.

In geographical terms, taxpayers in Northern Ireland were the most punctual with their tax returns with only 301 late submissions per 10,000 received; followed by those in Wales (346 per 10,000), England (374 per 10,000) and Scotland (391 per 10,000).

The analysis also compared differences in tax return filing trends by industry, with those in the agriculture, fishing and forestry industry most likely to file their returns on-time with only 109 late submissions per 10,000 returns.

Those working in information and communication industries were least reliable with 390 tax returns submitted beyond HMRC’s deadlines per 10,000 returns.

Ruth Owen, director general of personal tax, HMRC, said: “Whatever your gender, age, occupation or location, if you haven’t sent in your 2013-14 tax return, you need to take action now.

“HMRC offers a range of help and advice. But don’t leave it until the last minute to contact us. Do it now, and avoid a last-minute rush to beat the deadline.”

Those who do not file their 2013-14 tax returns before midnight 31^st January will be hit with an instant £100 late filing penalty which could increase depending on how long you leave it to submit.


Image: Steve Wilson

Date published 13 Jan 2015 | Last updated 13 Jan 2015