HMRC has revealed that around a million people didn’t file their Self-Assessment tax return by the 31 January 2026 deadline.
If you’re one of them, don’t panic: you’re definitely not alone, and there are steps you can take now to get back on track.
This year, more than 11.4 million people did file on time, with most choosing to submit online. As always, the final day saw a big rush. Nearly half a million returns were squeezed in on 31 January, including over 27,000 in the last hour before midnight.
The busiest window was between 5pm and 6pm, when almost 33,000 people hit “submit”. Even with that last‑minute surge, around a million individuals still missed the cut‑off.
Missed the deadline?
If you didn’t manage to file your return in time, the most important thing is to get it done as soon as you can. HMRC applies a £100 late filing penalty straight away- even if you don’t owe any tax- so acting quickly can help keep additional charges to a minimum.
The longer the return is outstanding, the more the penalties increase:
- After 3 months: £10 per day (up to £900)
- After 6 months: 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is higher)
- After 12 months: another 5% or £300
There are also separate penalties for paying tax late, with 5% added to anything unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months, plus interest.
If this all feels a bit overwhelming, we’re here to help. Whether you just need a nudge in the right direction or full support getting your return submitted, you can always get in touch with us.
Looking ahead: Making Tax Digital
From 6 April 2026, the rules are changing. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will become mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000.
In practice, that means you’ll need to keep your records digitally and send HMRC updates every quarter, followed by an end-of-year submission. It’s a shift in how many self-employed individuals and property landlords manage their tax, but with the right setup and support, will make things simpler and more organised over time of year submission.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you get everything in place. From choosing the right software, to keeping your bookkeeping running smoothly, and even handling the quarterly and annual submissions.
We’re here to make the transition as straightforward as possible.
Here when you need us
Missing a deadline happens. What matters now is taking the next step, and we’re here to support you with whatever you need, whether that’s catching up on this year’s return or getting ready for the changes ahead.
To learn more about Making Tax Digital and what it means for you, explore our MTD resources.
