Nearly 2 million taxpayers miss the self-assessment deadline

Nearly 2 million taxpayers miss the self-assessment deadline but avoid instant £100 penalties

More than 1.8 million taxpayers missed the return deadline on Sunday night but avoided instant £100 penalties.

Due to the virus crisis, H&M Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had this year promised not to fine those who failed to file before the January 31 deadline.

Instead, the penalties will only be sent to those who have not filed their self-assessment return online by the end of February.

Due to the virus crisis, H&M Revenue and Customs  had this year promised not to fine those who failed to file their tax returns before the January 31 deadline

Those who missed the deadline will still be charged 5 per cent interest on any unpaid tax they owe if it remains outstanding by March 3 and a payment plan has not been set up.

Anyone struggling to pay can spread payments over 12 months but interest at 2.6 per cent will be added. 

Around 10.7 million filed their return this year, meaning nearly 15 per cent of those required to file missed the deadline. 

Last year, around 958,000 did not file on time.

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