With less than a month to go to the Self Assessment deadline, HMRC is urging nearly 5.7 million customers to file their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

HMRC data shows almost 6.5 million customers have already beaten the Self Assessment clock by filing their tax return, including 49,317 customers who used the New Year holiday to get a head start on their tax obligations:

• 25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time being between 12:00 and 12:59, when 2,677 customers filed
• 127 customers saw in the New Year by filing their tax return between 00:00 and 00:59 on 1 January
• 23,724 customers filed on New Year's Day, with the most filing between 15:00 and 15:59, when 2,354 customers filed.

The deadline to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. Customers can submit their tax returns and pay any tax owed online at GOV.UK 

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's director general for customer services, said: "The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return. Don't put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your Self Assessment. Go to GOV.UK  and search 'Self Assessment' to get started start today."

HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return.

The quickest and easiest way customers can pay their tax bill is via HMRC's app which is free and secure. Information about the different ways to pay can be found on GOV.UK 

Customers who are unable to pay in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online. Go to GOV.UK  and search "HMRC payment plan" for more information.

HMRC will consider a customer's reasons for not being able to meet the deadline. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty. The penalties for late tax returns are:

• an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
• after three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
• after six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
• after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.