What Happens If You Don’t Do a Tax Return?
- Kyle Randall
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Missing a Tax Return in the UK
Many people worry about what happens if they forget or delay submitting a tax return. If HMRC expects you to file a Self Assessment tax return and you don’t submit it on time, penalties can apply.
The good news is that understanding the rules early can help you avoid unnecessary fines and problems with HMRC.
In this guide, we explain what happens if you miss a tax return, the penalties involved, and what you should do next.
Who Needs to Do a Tax Return?
HMRC usually requires a tax return if you:
Are self-employed
Have rental income
Receive untaxed income
Are a company director in some cases
Earn above certain thresholds
Receive income outside PAYE
If HMRC has asked you to complete a tax return, you must submit one.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The main Self Assessment deadline for online tax returns is 31 January following the end of the tax year.
If you miss the deadline, HMRC normally issues an automatic penalty.
Late Filing Penalties
The standard penalties for missing a Self Assessment deadline are:
£100 fine immediately after the deadline
Additional penalties after 3 months
Further penalties after 6 months and 12 months
These penalties apply even if you don’t owe any tax.
Interest on Unpaid Tax
If tax is owed and not paid on time, HMRC may also charge:
Interest on late payments
Additional late payment penalties
The longer the tax remains unpaid, the more charges can increase.
What If You Didn’t Know You Needed to File?
Sometimes people don’t realise they should have submitted a tax return.
If this happens, the best approach is usually to contact HMRC or submit the return as soon as possible.
Acting early can sometimes reduce penalties.
What Should You Do If You Missed a Tax Return?
If you’ve missed a tax return deadline, it’s important to act quickly.
You should:
Submit the tax return as soon as possible
Pay any tax owed
Contact HMRC if you need support
You can learn more about submitting returns on our Self Assessment services page.
Official HMRC Guidance
You can find official guidance about Self Assessment deadlines and penalties on the HMRC website:
How VIP Accounting Ltd Can Help
At VIP Accounting Ltd, we help individuals across Benfleet, Essex and the UK with:
Late Self Assessment tax returns
Resolving HMRC penalties
Preparing accurate tax returns
Communicating with HMRC
Staying compliant with tax deadlines
If you’ve missed a tax return or are unsure what to do next, speak to our team via our contact page.
FAQs
Can I still submit a tax return after the deadline?
Yes. You should submit it as soon as possible to reduce penalties.
Will I get a penalty even if I owe no tax?
Yes. The £100 late filing penalty usually applies even if no tax is owed.
Can HMRC remove penalties?
In some situations, penalties may be appealed if there was a valid reason.
What happens if I ignore HMRC letters?
Ignoring HMRC can lead to increasing penalties and enforcement action.
Who Wrote This Article
Kyle Randall, Founder of VIP Accounting Ltd, provides clear guidance to help individuals and business owners understand UK tax and stay compliant with HMRC.
VIP Accounting Ltd is a strategic accounting and tax advisory firm based in Benfleet, Essex, supporting individuals and businesses across the UK with Self Assessment, tax planning, accounting, and HMRC compliance.
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