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Self Assessment tax returns
4. Deadlines
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) must receive your tax return and any money you owe by the deadline.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2015 and ended on 5 April 2016.
| Self Assessment | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Register for Self Assessment | 5 October 2016 |
| Paper tax returns | Midnight 31 October 2016 |
| Online tax returns | Midnight 31 January 2017 |
| Pay the tax you owe | Midnight 31 January 2017 |
There’s an additional payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill (known as ‘payments on account’).
You’ll usually pay a penalty if you’re late. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you’re a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can’t send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
2014 to 2015 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.