The 300,000+ people who submit a paper Self Assessment tax return have been reminded of the 31 October deadline.
Although digital submissions are far more common, government figures show that 304,000 people still filed paper Self Assessment tax returns last year, compared with 11.2 million submitted online.
The deadline for paper returns for the 2024/25 tax year is this Friday, 31 October. If you submit a paper Self Assessment tax return late, you will incur a £100 penalty. After three months, additional daily fines of £10 apply, up to a maximum of £900, with even higher penalties for longer delays.
Joe Phelan from money.co.uk shared tips for those who use paper Self Assessment tax returns:
- Don’t delay: The paper deadline is earlier than the digital one, and postal delays could affect submission. HMRC must receive your return by 31 October, so post it well in advance.
- Carefully check your figures: Unlike the online portal, paper returns require manual calculations, increasing the risk of errors. Gather all relevant financial documents and double-check your entries.
- Keep a clear and organised paper trail: Send your return by recorded delivery and retain proof of submission. This helps avoid penalties and is legally required for at least 22 months after the tax year ends.
Phelan said: “As Self Assessment moves increasingly online, now may be the right time to make October 31 your last paper submission. Getting familiar with the digital process early can save you time and stress later, and you can find guidance on the government website.”
HMRC has ‘time to pay’ arrangements for those who cannot pay their tax bill in full.
The deadline for 2024/25 online Self Assessment tax returns is 31 January 2026.