ECA Members: don't miss the tax return deadline

With less than a month to go and millions of customers yet to complete and pay their Self Assessment and avoid penalties, ECA urges Members still to complete their tax return to do it now.

Thousands of taxpayers have already done so by completing their tax returns on New Year’s Day. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed more than 24,800 people filed on 1 January. A further 38,000 had even squeezed theirs in on 31 December, with 310 filing between 23:00 and 23:59. 

Filing your tax return and paying on time plays an important role in supporting public services and the government’s Plan for Change, which is delivering economic stability and investment across the UK. Anyone who is yet to file their tax return can do so online, via GOV.UK. 

Anyone required to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year who misses the 31 January 2025 deadline could face an initial late filing penalty of £100. 

ECA Director of Legal & Business urges Members:

“Hitting the 31st January tax return deadline for 2023/24 return is critical for 97% of those filing returns. HMRC’s digital offering allows those filing to setup reminders and pay just like other every day apps. It also makes sense that if you run into problems and you talk to HMRC before the deadline, they will likely recognise your predicament, but if they don’t know they can’t help.”

ECA's Legal & Business team offers guidance and support to guide you through technical industry specific aspects of tax. Browse our resources or get in touch via the Legal & Business helpline to find out more.