Self Assessment 2022–23: Tax Return and Payment Deadlines

This guidance is for taxpayers with late or outstanding 2022–23 Self Assessment obligations who want to understand what happens if the return or payment was late.

Missing a Self Assessment deadline can trigger automatic charges, even where no tax is ultimately due. Understanding how HMRC treats late 2022–23 returns and payments is important to limit penalties, interest, and further escalation, particularly if you are dealing with HMRC through a tax advisor in London.

Filing a Paper Self-Assessment Return: Dates, Penalties and Exceptions

The 2022-23 tax return filing deadline for taxpayers who continue to submit paper Self-Assessment returns is 31 October 2023. Late submission of a Self-Assessment return will incur a £100 late filing penalty. The penalty usually applies even if there is no liability or if any tax due is paid in full by 31 January 2024.

We would recommend that anyone still submitting paper tax returns consider the benefits of submitting the returns electronically, and therefore benefit from an additional three months (until 31 January 2024) in which to submit a return, as often advised by a tax specialist in London.

Taxpayers with certain underpayments in the 2022-23 tax year can elect to have this amount collected via their tax code (in 2024-25) provided they are in employment or in receipt of a UK-based pension. The coding applies to certain debts and the amount of debt that can be coded out ranges from £3,000 to £17,000 based on a graduated scale. The maximum coding out allowance only applies to taxpayers with earnings exceeding £90,000.

Daily penalties of £10 per day will also take effect if the tax return is still outstanding three months after the filing date up to a maximum of £900. If the return still remains outstanding further higher penalties will be charged when a return is six months and twelve months late.

Taxpayers that received a letter informing them that they have to submit a paper return after 30 July 2023 have an extended deadline which runs for three months from the date they received the letter to submit a paper return.

What Happens If the 2022–23 Self Assessment Return or Payment Was Late

If a 2022–23 Self Assessment tax return was filed after the deadline, HMRC will normally apply an automatic late filing penalty. Further penalties can follow where the delay continues.

Where tax due for 2022–23 was paid late, late payment interest is charged from the original due date. Additional penalties may apply if the balance remains unpaid for an extended period.

In Practice – Why Late 2022–23 Returns Still Cause Issues

In practice, we often see taxpayers assume that once a tax year has ended, the impact of missed deadlines reduces. In reality, penalties and interest can continue to accrue until the return is filed and the tax is settled, regardless of how much time has passed.

For practical assistance, experienced accountants in Wimbledon support taxpayers across nearby areas such as New Malden and Morden when dealing with overdue Self Assessment returns and historic tax liabilities. At CIGMA Accounting, our team can help you identify what still needs to be done and advise on the most appropriate way to engage with HMRC to bring matters up to date.

Check Whether You Missed the 2022–23 Self Assessment Deadlines

If you are unsure whether your 2022–23 return or payment was completed on time, clarifying this now can help prevent further penalties or interest. A short review can confirm where you stand and what steps may still be needed.