26 Jan 2026With under a week until the self assessment deadline 8.6 million taxpayers have already filed their return for the 2024/25 tax year, according to HMRC. The tax authority is urging taxpayers and agents who have not filed, to act now or risk missing the 31 January deadline – and face an automatic £100 penalty. Last year over 11.5 million taxpayers successfully filed by the deadline last year so there are 3.3 million still outstanding. HMRC is signposting the help available at GOV.UK, including guidance, webinars and videos. The tax authority says that once a self assessment return is submitted, the quickest and easiest way to pay any tax owed is via the HMRC app. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: 'Don't leave it until deadline day. Filing now will give you peace of mind that your tax return is completed and if you have tax to pay, you have a week to arrange payment. 'If you're worried about paying your tax bill, you may be able to set up a payment plan online – search 'difficulties paying HMRC' on GOV.UK.'