Make filing online your New Year resolution

With only a month until the self assessment filing deadline, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding taxpayers to get their returns in by 31 January, to avoid a £100 penalty for missing the deadline.

HMRC is also urging anyone who hasn't filed their return to do so online, using HMRC's website at hmrc.gov.uk.

Around 2m returns were filed online in 2005/06, and already this year an estimated 1.5m people have filed online.

"We'd like everyone to make it their New Year resolution to get their returns in on-time and online," said Mike Shipp, HMRC's Director of Self Assessment.

"Filing online is easy, secure and convenient, and calculations are done for you automatically. When you file online you get an immediate acknowledgement and, if we owe you money, a faster repayment than if your return is sent on paper.

"If you haven't done so already, there is still time to register, but you need to act now by going to hmrc.gov.uk and selecting 'Self Assessment' from the 'do it online' menu."

If you need help with your return, you should visit HMRC's website - in particular the self assessment web pages at hmrc.gov.uk/sa. If that doesn't answer your questions, call the self assessment helpline on 0845 900 0444, which is available seven days a week between 8.00am and 8.00pm.

Remember, the final deadline for completing and filing your self assessment Tax Return and paying any money owed is 31 January. If you miss this deadline you will receive an automatic £100 penalty for late filing and you will be charged interest on any money paid late.

Late payers also face a surcharge of 5% on any amounts still outstanding after 28 days, with persistent non-filers facing daily penalties of up to £60 per day.