October 31 tax return deadline approaching fast
It’s common knowledge that the tax return filing deadline is 31 January after the end of the tax year. However, you may be subject to an earlier deadline that is fast approaching instead. When does this apply?
If you're within self-assessment, you're probably aware that 31 January each year is the filing date. However, it’s often overlooked that there's an alternative deadline of 31 October. This applies if you intend to file a paper return. If that’s the case you only have until Monday to do it. At this late stage there's a good chance that the return won’t be received until after the deadline. You might be able to appeal against the subsequent automatic penalty if you can show you had a reasonable excuse, e.g. if the return was late due to the ongoing postal strikes. However, if you haven’t sent it off yet, our advice is not to. Instead, use the additional three months for online filing to get set up for HMRC online services and file the return there.
Related Topics
-
HMRC urges agents to review excepted estates
HMRC is reminding tax agents to review inheritance tax (IHT) returns submitted for excepted estates following changes introduced from 1 January 2025. The warning follows concerns that some estates may have been incorrectly treated under the new rules. What should you check?
-
Government launches consultation package on HMRC powers and tax administration
The government has launched a wide-ranging package of consultations on tax administration, including proposals to strengthen HMRC's debt recovery powers, modernise tax agent regulation and expand the use of digital services. Several of the measures could have significant implications for taxpayers and advisers. What has been proposed?
-
What are HMRC’s new procedures for export evidence?
HMRC has updated its guidance about the proof of export you must retain if you ship goods abroad and zero-rate the sales. How will the new guidance affect your business?


This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.