UK taxpayers are facing an urgent £100 penalty from HMRC for missing the Self‑Assessment tax return deadline.
Starting midnight on deadline day, fines are issued automatically—regardless of whether any tax is due. Acting swiftly is essential to avoid further escalating charges and interest.
Why HMRC Imposes £100 Fines
The £100 penalty is levied immediately when the Self‑Assessment return is not submitted by the legal deadline. It applies even if no tax is owed, serving as a deterrent against late filings and encouraging tax compliance.
Penalty Timing & Who’s at Risk
| Time Missed After Deadline | Penalty Description | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Just after deadline | Immediate £100 fixed late filing penalty | £100 |
| 3 months late | Daily penalty for continued delay (capped) | £10/day up to £900 |
| ~6 months late | Additional fixed penalty | 5% of tax due or £300, whichever is higher |
| ~12 months late | Further fixed penalty | Another 5% of tax due or £300 |
These late filing penalties apply even if the taxpayer owes nothing. Late payment penalties also apply separately—starting at 5% of the unpaid tax, with additional charges at 6 and 12 months, plus immediate interest from the due date.
Recent Context & Scope
- Over 1.1 million taxpayers missed the Self‑Assessment filing deadline in recent years, facing automatic £100 fines, with possible further penalties over time.
- In the 2022–23 fiscal year alone, £220 million was collected in late filing penalties—marking a five‑year high.
- The critical 31 July deadline for “payments on account” also triggers penalties and interest—especially relevant for self-employed individuals and others due to pay in advance. Interest rates are notably high, around 8.25%, for late payments
If you miss the Self-Assessment deadline, HMRC automatically imposes a £100 fine, even if no tax is owed. Penalties then escalate quickly—up to daily charges, percentage-based fines, and interest. With over 1 million people affected and £220 million in penalties collected, the cost of delay is high.
Stay proactive: File on time, or set up payment arrangements immediately. Time and timely action are your strongest defences.
FAQs
Yes. HMRC imposes the £100 late filing penalty even when no tax is due.
After the initial £100, penalties accumulate: £10/day after 3 months (up to £900), then potentially £300 or 5% of outstanding tax at both 6 and 12 months. Late payments also attract interest and 5% penalty increments.
You may be eligible to arrange a Time to Pay plan via HMRC, potentially avoiding escalating penalties if agreed in advance. Acting promptly is crucial to reduce financial strain.
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