Self-assessment taxpayers will not receive a penalty for their late online tax return as long as they file it by 28 February, says HMRC chief executive Jim Harra.
HMRC revealed that 8.9 million customers had already filed their tax return, and it is still encouraging everyone to try to hit the 31 January deadline, if possible.
However, anyone who cannot file their return by 31 January will not receive a late filing penalty if they file online by 28 February.
That said, taxpayers will still be expected to pay their bills by 31 January. Interest will be charged from 1 February on any outstanding liabilities.
Mr Harra said: “Not charging late filing penalties for late online tax returns submitted in February will give people the breathing space they need to complete and file their returns, without worrying about receiving a penalty. We can reasonably assume most of these people will have a valid reason for filing late, caused by the pandemic.”
