What are the penalties for filing a Self Assessment return late?

HMRC charges automatic penalties for late Self Assessment returns, regardless of whether tax is owed: - Day 1 late (after 31 January): £100 automatic penalty - 3 months late (after 30 April): daily £10 penalties for up to 90 days (maximum £900) - 6 months late (after 31 July): 5% of the tax due, or £300 (whichever is higher) - 12 months late (after 31 January of the following year): further 5% of tax due, or £300 For very late returns or deliberate non-compliance, penalties can be up to 100% of the tax due. Interest is also charged on any tax paid late at the Bank of England base rate + 2.5% (currently 7.25% in 2024/25). If you have a reasonable excuse (serious illness, bereavement, natural disaster), you can appeal against penalties — but this is at HMRC's discretion.

  • Day 1 late: £100 automatic penalty (even if no tax owed)
  • 3 months late: £10/day for up to 90 days (max £900 additional)
  • 6 months late: 5% of tax due or £300 (higher amount)
  • 12 months late: further 5% of tax or £300
  • Interest on late payment: Bank of England base rate + 2.5%

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