# Self Assessment: 96% filed on time, HMRC reports

> Tax · 4 February 2026

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## Summary

HMRC said 11.5 million tax returns were filed by the 31 January deadline, with around 600,000 missing it and facing an automatic £100 penalty.

HMRC reported that 11.5 million people filed their 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return by the 31 January deadline, with around 600,000 missing the deadline and triggering an automatic £100 late filing penalty.

Penalties for very late returns escalate sharply: after three months, daily £10 penalties begin, up to £900; after six and 12 months, further percentage-based penalties of tax owed kick in. Late payment of tax also attracts interest plus 5% penalties at 30 days, six months and 12 months.

People with a reasonable excuse (serious illness, bereavement, an HMRC service failure) can appeal a penalty using the online process. HMRC is generally pragmatic where evidence is provided.

Anyone newly required to file — for example, those with self-employment income over the £1,000 trading allowance, untaxed property income, or capital gains in excess of the £3,000 allowance — should register by 5 October following the end of the relevant tax year.

## Related topics

- [/work-earnings/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/work-earnings/)
- [/benefits-tax/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.