Big changes for tax returns this month

This month sees the biggest change to the Self Assessment tax system since its introduction more than a decade ago - a new 31 October deadline for paper returns.

Previously, the deadline for submitting paper and online tax returns was 31 January, but from this year anyone filing on paper must do so by 31 October, or risk a £100 penalty. Online returns can still be submitted up until 31 January.

As well as a new deadline, Self Assessment has a new face - newsreader and presenter Moira Stuart, who'll be starring in new TV ads throughout October.

HMRC have also launched a new Self Assessment video podcast featuring Moira, which offers help and advice on filling in your tax return. It is available free from the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts

Further help is available at hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Self Assessment Facts & Figures

Self Assessment is in its 12th year, having been introduced for the 1996/97 tax year.
More than 9m Self Assessment tax returns are issued every year.
Around 4.5m people filed on paper last year.