Last minute tax return help!
The 2023/24 self assessment online tax return deadline is 31st January 2025. If you have a tax return to complete online, but have not yet got started then it’s time to take action. In this article we share some hints and tips if you are feeling stuck and explain where you might find last minute help if you need it.

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There are lots of reasons why people leave their self assessment tax return to the last minute, but doing so can increase the risk of submitting late and incurring late filing penalties. Here we cover some common problems that people might face in the lead up to the 31 January deadline, and provide some guidance that might help you get your tax return done.
Problem 1: I don’t know how to calculate my taxable income
If you are unsure how to calculate the figures to go on your tax return then we have some information on our website that can help you:
- Self-employment
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If you are self-employed, our self-employment guide is free to download and includes a detailed case study showing how to prepare your figures and what to include on your 2023/24 tax return.
If you are self-employed and make sales using online platforms, you might also find our recent article useful, which explains about platform seller statements, and how these can also be helpful, in addition to your own records, when preparing your 2023/24 tax return.
- Rental income
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If you receive rental income and are unsure how to calculate your profit, then see our Property income section. This guidance can help you understand how to work out your taxable property income for your tax return.
- Other income
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If you have other income to report on your tax return, for example taxable state benefits, investment income, or if you need to pay the high income child benefit charge, then you might find our Income tax section helpful. This section includes various guidance pages to help you understand what income is taxable and what allowances are available.
Problem 2: I don’t have all of the information I need
If you have not got the paperwork you need to complete your tax return, and you are worried this information might not arrive by the 31 January deadline, then there are a few things you can do:
- Chase it up
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Do what you can to get the information as soon as possible, by requesting copies or chasing any organisations or third parties who have this information – for example your employer, pension provider or bank. Plan ahead and try and prepare as much of the rest of your tax return in advance so that you only have that information to enter.
Remember, if you are preparing your tax return online using HMRC’s self assessment software, you can save your progress and return to the form later.
- Check the HMRC app or your online account
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Check if the information you need is available directly from HMRC either by checking if it has been pre-populated in the online tax return or by logging on to the HMRC app or your personal tax account. The sort of information you might be able to find includes:
- Employment income and tax deducted for the past 5 years
- State pension entitlement
- National insurance number and Unique Taxpayer Reference
- Child benefit payments
- Use provisional or estimated figures
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If the information you need is not available by 31 January, then you could consider including provisional or estimated figures on your tax return. You can read more about using such figures in our guidance here.
This might be particularly important if you are self employed and affected by the basis period reform rules. If you have requested details of your overlap relief from HMRC but this has not arrived by the deadline, then you might consider including a provisional figure until the information arrives. You can read more about provisional figures for basis period reform purposes on GOV.UK.
If you use provisional or estimated figures, it is important that you note them as such on the tax return. Don’t forget to submit an amended return with the correct information, if or when it becomes available.
- Use the trading allowance or property allowance
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If the missing information relates to self employment or rental property expenses, you could consider claiming either the flat rate trading allowance or property allowance, as partial relief instead of actual expenses.
Problem 3: I can’t access HMRC’s online services
To submit your tax return online using HMRC’s software, you will need the following:
- A government gateway ID and password
- An activated online self assessment online services account
We have information on our website about accessing HMRC online tax accounts and retrieving a lost government gateway ID/password if necessary.
Even if you have been issued with a notice to file a tax return, this might not mean your online self assessment account has been activated. If you log on via the government gateway and cannot see a self assessment online services account, you may need to reenrol for it and/or request a new activation code.
An activation code can take several days (or even weeks) to arrive, so make sure you check and request the code if needed as soon as possible.
If you have any other problems in accessing or using HMRC’s online services, you should contact the HMRC online services helpdesk. Alternatively, you can file your tax return online by using third party software products which you have to pay for.
Please note, for most people, the deadline to file your tax return on paper has now passed. You can still send in your tax return on paper if this is your only option, but bear in mind you may face a late filing penalty. You can download a copy of the paper tax return form from GOV.UK.
Problem 4: I need to ask HMRC a question about tax
Telephone waiting times can sometimes make it hard to speak to HMRC if you need to ask them a question. We have some further information and tips about contacting HMRC here, which you might find useful.
To avoid waiting in a phone queue, you might be able to use their webchat function or by posting your query on the HMRC community form.
We also have some further information on how to get help from HMRC if you have additional needs and/or need help from their extra support service.
Problem 5: I can’t afford the tax bill
If you are worried that you will not be able to pay your tax bill, then please don’t be tempted to simply not file the tax return as a way to avoid the payment. This will likely make things worse for you in the long run, as you will face late filing penalties. These penalties increase the longer the tax return is late, and can eventually be as high as £1,600, with additional interest and potentially penalties for late paid tax on top.
You can avoid late filing penalties by filing the return on time, and then contacting HMRC to arrange a payment plan, called a time to pay arrangement. Please note that the payment plan can only be put in place once the tax return has been submitted.
We have help and guidance about payment plans including HMRC’s online time to pay service, in our page Tax payment problems and debt.
Problem 6: I need professional help
Sometimes, you might need a helping hand from a tax professional. If this is you, then time is running out, and some firms may say they are unable to help you before the deadline, as they will be very busy with their existing clients.
However, if you approach a few firms you may still be able to find someone who can help you. You can read our Getting help page for more information about finding professional tax help on a paid basis.
If you are on a low income, you could ask the charities TaxAid or Tax Help for Older People for help. It is unlikely that they will be able to give you an appointment now in time for the 31st January deadline, but they should be able to help you get your 2023/24 tax return filed as soon as possible thereafter, or help you submit an amended return if you go ahead with estimated or provisional figures in the meantime.
Final thoughts
We understand that the tax return deadline can be stressful, but the best thing you can do is to tackle it as soon as possible, in case you come up against any delays.
If you are unable to file your tax return by the deadline for reasons outside of your control, then you may be able to appeal the late filing penalty if you have a reasonable excuse. You will need to wait until you receive your penalty to make the appeal. Again, if you are on a low income and need help with appealing your penalty, then the tax charities TaxAid or Tax Help for Older People might be able to help you.