Late with your tax return and tax payment? What happens now?

Missed the Tax Return Deadline? What Happens Now?

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Missed the Tax Return Deadline? What Happens Now?

[Updated 1 February 2026]: If you missed the 31 January deadline to submit your self-assessment tax return, you are now into the penalty stage. HMRC applies an automatic £100 penalty to those who are anywhere from 1 day to 3 months late. Further penalties are then added if you take even longer to comply. It’s even worse if you haven’t paid the tax owed to HMRC by 31 January because you’ll then owe interest on that too.

Our Advice if You’re Late

If you are late submitting your tax return and/or paying the tax owed, our advice is to:

  1. submit your tax return without delay;
  2. pay as much tax as you can as soon as possible*.
    By doing both, you’ll minimise the penalty and interest payable to HMRC.

* Payment of any historic tax for 2024/25 and prior years is best dealt with by the last day of February at the latest. Any amount that remains due for 2024/25 is considered late thereafter and will attract an automatic HMRC charge of 5%.

What if you Cannot Pay?

If you cannot pay, or have tax arrears, it’s important that you demonstrate to HMRC that you’re paying as much as you can — and as regularly as possible. The good news is that HMRC has a quick and easy facility for exactly this purpose. By calling 0300 200 3402, you can pay using a debit card. It takes only minutes and doesn’t require any explanation — give it a try!

You will need your tax reference and, after making a payment, will be given a payment reference.

Possible Excuses for Late Tax Returns

What are your options if there were genuine reasons, beyond your control, that stopped you being able to submit your tax return on time? Well, if you “took reasonable care to meet” a deadline and there was a genuine reason why you were late, you have the option to appeal. However, your circumstances must fit HMRC’s eligibility criteria. Let’s take a look at those below.

Circumstances that are taken into account by HMRC when considering appeals include:

  • if a close relative or partner died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline;
  • if you had to stay in hospital unexpectedly;
  • if you had a life-threatening or serious illness;
  • if your computer or software failed at the time you were preparing your online return;
  • if HMRC’s online services were disrupted;
  • if you were prevented from filing your return or paying your tax because of a fire, flood or theft;
  • if there were unexpected postal delays;
  • if you have a disability of mental illness that affected the delay;
  • if you misunderstood your legal obligation, or were unaware of it;
  • if someone you’d appointed for the task (e.g. accountant or tax adviser) failed in their obligation on your behalf;
  • and occasionally other reasons which, if genuine, HMRC may deem to be relevant (for example, some Covid-related circumstances).

Excuses that aren’t usually accepted by HMRC include:

  • you didn’t receive a reminder from HMRC;
  • you found HMRC’s online system too difficult to use;
  • your cheque bounced or payment failed due to you having insufficient funds;
  • you made an error on your return.

Appealing Against an HMRC Penalty

You have the right to appeal against HMRC’s decision to issue you a penalty so long as it’s appealed soon enough after the penalty notice. That includes penalties for late tax returns or payments. Taxfile can help advise you about all of that (see below).

Taxfile are Here to Help

If your tax return is late, you owe HMRC tax, or are owed a refund by them, come and see us as soon as possible. Taxfile are accountants and tax advisors in Tulse Hill, South London. We’ll help to sort it all out for you with the minimum of fuss, at a competitive price. Come in as early in the month as you can and we’ll help you to sort things out — for the best possible outcome. We know the rules and liaise with HMRC every single day on behalf of our clients. So, if we can help convince HMRC to reduce or completely remove any penalty you may be facing, we will do so, so long as your circumstances fit the relevant HMRC criteria. You can only appeal within 30 days of the date of any penalty notice you receive, so the earlier you contact us the better – give us a call on 020 8761 8000 or fill in this short form and we’ll take it from there. Alternatively, book an appointment with one of our expert tax advisors to chat things over, without obligation. Payment plans called ‘Time to Pay’ arrangements may also be available for eligible people who cannot to afford to pay their tax in one lump sum — Taxfile would be happy to tell you more.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here
Final day to submit your Self-Assessment tax return

31 January is the Tax Return Deadline!

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31 January was the Self-Assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 31 January 2026]: 31 January 2026 was THE FINAL DEADLINE by which you needed to file your Self Assessment tax return with HMRC. If you missed the 11.59 pm deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Interest will also be charged from 1 February if tax is not paid by midnight on 31 January (rules apply).

Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and submitting your tax return simple!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

1 day left to submit your tax return!

1 Day to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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1 day to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 30 January 2026]: There is only 1 day left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

2 days left to the tax return deadline!

2 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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2 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 29 January 2026]: There are only 2 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

3 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

3 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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3 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 28 January 2026]: There are only 3 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

4 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

4 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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4 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 27 January 2026]: There are only 4 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

5 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

5 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

5 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 26 January 2026]: There are only 5 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

6 days left to submit your Self-Assessment tax return!

6 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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6 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline.

[As at 25 January 2026]: There are only 6 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Sunday 25 January 10 am-5 pm by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

1 week to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

1 Week to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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1 week to the self assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 24 January 2026]: There is only 1 week left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here
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UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

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UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

Attention UK landlords! The way you manage your property finances and report to HMRC is undergoing a major transformation. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (‘MTD IT’) is no longer a distant whisper – it’s becoming a reality, and Taxfile is here to help you navigate this essential change.

Forget the headache of last-minute annual Self-Assessment tax returns! MTD for Landlords is designed to streamline your landlord tax obligations, demanding a shift to digital record keeping and MTD-compatible software. Don’t get caught unprepared – let’s explore everything you need to know about MTD for landlords and how to ensure a smooth transition.

Unpacking Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Landlords

MTD is a cornerstone of HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system, making it more efficient and accurate. For landlords, this translates into a few key changes:

Mandatory Digital Record Keeping

Bid farewell to paper trails and spreadsheets! You’ll be required to keep all your rental income and expenses in a digital format, using HMRC-recognised software. This includes meticulous details of income received, dates, amounts, sources, and all supporting documents like receipts and invoices.

Quarterly Digital Updates

The biggest shift! Instead of a single annual submission, summaries of your income and expenses are submitted to HMRC every three months through the HMRC-approved software. This offers a more real-time picture of your tax position.

The New “Final Declaration”

At the end of the tax year, a final reconciliation is submitted to HMRC, confirming the accuracy of your quarterly updates and finalising your overall tax liability. This effectively replaces your traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return.

Will MTD for Landlords Affect YOU?

(Key Income Thresholds)

The implementation of MTD for Landlords is phased, so understanding your MTD income threshold is crucial:

  • From April 6, 2026: If your total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeded £50,000 in the 2024-25 tax year, you’ll be mandated into MTD.
  • From April 6, 2027: The requirement expands to landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) over £30,000.
  • From April 6, 2028: The scheme is set to include landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeding £20,000.

Important Consideration: This “income” refers to your gross income before any expenses are deducted. If you jointly own property, the threshold applies to your individual share of the income. Even if your income falls below these thresholds, you have the option to voluntarily sign up for MTD, allowing you to get ahead of the curve.

Finding Your Perfect MTD Landlord Software Solution

To comply with MTD IT, you absolutely must use software that is HMRC-compatible and can communicate directly with HMRC’s systems. This software will be your new best friend for:

  • Maintaining precise digital records of your income and expenses.
  • Submitting your quarterly updates to HMRC with ease.
  • Submitting your final declaration to complete your tax year.

While there are many options for accounting software for landlords MTD, we at Taxfile are particularly impressed with FreeAgent for its user-friendliness and powerful features.

We recommend FreeAgent for MTD IT and digital accounting for landlords.

Why We Recommend FreeAgent for Landlords:

  • Free access potential — FreeAgent is completely free to you while you bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, or have a Mettle Account (just ensure Mettle is set as your primary business account within the software). This is a significant cost-saving for landlords.
  • Tailored for landlords — FreeAgent offers a version specifically designed to meet the unique needs of property owners, including a convenient mobile app for landlords to manage finances on the go.
  • Unincorporated landlord support — FreeAgent is specifically tailored for unincorporated landlords.
  • Automated bank imports — Say goodbye to manual data entry! FreeAgent automatically imports bank transactions, simplifying your landlord bookkeeping.
  • HMRC compatible & user-friendly — It’s fully recognised by HMRC for MTD and boasts an intuitive interface, making it accessible even for those new to digital accounting.
  • Excellent support & training — FreeAgent provides top-notch customer support and comprehensive training resources, helping you get the most out of the software.

Any optional add-ons may be chargeable.

Your Essential MTD Preparation Checklist: Don’t Delay!

MTD is a substantial change, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Assess your income. Confirm your gross property and self-employment income for recent tax years to pinpoint your mandatory MTD start date.
  2. Embrace digital records NOW. Start digitising all your rental income and expenses immediately. This will make the transition to MTD software much easier.
  3. Research & select MTD-compatible software. Explore options like FreeAgent or other HMRC-recognised landlord accounting software that suits your portfolio size and needs.
  4. Get hands-on with your software. Familiarise yourself with your chosen software’s features for record keeping and submitting updates well before the deadlines.
  5. Consider the MTD pilot (if eligible). Voluntarily joining the MTD for Income Tax pilot can provide invaluable experience with the system in a low-pressure environment.
  6. Partner with Taxfile. This is where we come in! Our team at Taxfile is ready to provide expert MTD advice for landlords and guide you every step of the way.

Taxfile is Here to Help You Thrive with MTD!

Navigating new tax legislation can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Taxfile offers comprehensive support for landlords preparing for MTD:

Expert Guidance & Setup

We can answer all your MTD for landlords questions and assist with the initial setup of your chosen software.

Structured Planning

We’ll help you establish monthly goals to ensure your digital tax records are up-to-date, avoiding a last-minute rush before those crucial MTD deadlines.

Bookkeeping & Quarterly Filing Assistance

Whether you need a little help or full involvement, we can assist with your landlord bookkeeping and ensure accurate quarterly submissions.

Don’t let Making Tax Digital for Landlords become a burden. Contact Taxfile today to ensure your property portfolio is MTD-ready and positioned for continued success!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us