New October deadline looms for tax returns

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing an alert to anyone filing a Self Assessment tax return on paper - submit your return by the end of October, or risk a £100 penalty.

From this year, there are now two different deadlines for paper and online tax returns - 31 October for paper and 31 January for online.

If you file a paper tax return, and haven't filed yet, you need to get all the relevant information together now, such as your P60, self employment accounts, savings and investments records, and details of any untaxed income. Then make sure you get your paper return to HMRC by Friday 31 October.

Another option for paper filers is to switch to online filing. It's simple to register - visit the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/sa and click "Register for Self Assessment Online". Online filing has a number of advantages - your tax is calculated automatically, you get an immediate online acknowledgement once you've filed, and it's processed faster, so any money you're owed is repaid more quickly.

Where to get help

A new Self Assessment video podcast, offering help and advice on filling in your tax return, 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.