Reminder: One week left to file their tax returns

More than 3.5 million tax payers have just one week left to complete their Self Assessment tax returns and pay any tax owed, warns HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The deadline to complete a 2017/18 tax return online is 11.59pm on 31 January 2019, and last year more than 93 per cent of customers filed their returns by the deadline. An extra 25,000 customers have already filed their Self Assessment, compared to this time last year. Late tax returns receive a £100 penalty – even if no tax is owed. The longer the delay, the greater the penalty.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mel Stride, said: "The deadline for the Self Assessment tax return is fast approaching but there is still time for the 3.5 million customers who haven't completed their return to file by 31 January. With only seven days to go it is important that customers are reminded of the Self Assessment deadline in order to avoid paying penalties."

HMRC said that help is available via its online services, webinars and videos, customer service helpline, webchat or social media channels.

If tax payers think they will not be able to complete their tax return by 31 January, they are advised to contact HMRC as soon as possible. The Self Assessment helpline is 0300 200 3310.