Four million customers are still yet to submit their self assessment tax return and pay any tax owed ahead of the 31 January deadline, HMRC has stated.

More than 12.2 million customers are expected to complete a tax return for the 2020/21 tax year.

HMRC is urging the millions of customers still to file their tax return, and pay any outstanding liabilities or set up a payment plan, to do so ahead of the deadline as interest will be applied to outstanding balances from 1 February.

Earlier this month, however, HMRC announced they would waive penalties for one month for late filing of tax returns and late payments. These changes mean anyone who cannot file their return by the 31 January deadline will not receive a late filing penalty if they file by 28 February, and that anyone who cannot pay their tax liabilities by the 31 January deadline will not receive a late payment penalty if they pay their tax in full, or set up a time to pay arrangement, by 1 April.

“We know some customers may struggle to meet the self assessment deadline on 31 January which is why we have waived penalties for one month, giving them extra time to meet their obligations,” said HMRC director general for customer services, Myrtle Lloyd.

“And if anyone is worried about paying their tax bill, they can set up a monthly payment plan online.”

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