Just days left to file your Paper Tax Return

If you're planning on filing your 2008/09 tax return on paper this year, there are just a few days left to send it to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the 31 October deadline.

If you want to avoid a last-minute rush, one option is to switch to online filing. This has a number of advantages: online returns don't have to be filed until 31 January, so you get three months longer to file; 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. Registering is simple - visit the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/sa and click "Register for Self Assessment Online".

However, if you are filing your tax return on paper, you'll need to act immediately if you want to beat the deadline. Leave it too late, and you could end up with a £100 late-filing penalty.

If you need help, it's available from the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.