There is expected to be a last-minute surge in online filing when tax deadlines approach. Just under 1.3 million returns were filed by Internet for the previous tax year - and to date this year, traffic is running 30% higher.
Almost 480,000 (38%) were filed online in January alone last year. More than 250,000 returns were filed online in the last week (20%), and 102,000 (8%) were filed during the final weekend.
"Last year a quarter of a million returns were filed online in the final week, and we anticipate the weeks before 31 January will see a record number of returns filed through the HMRC website. Online filing is growing in popularity and to get the smoothest experience our advice is complete your online return early, or use off peak times such as evenings or weekends."
But it's not only the return that must be in by 31 January - any outstanding tax must also be paid. Returns that aren't in by the deadline face a £100 penalty, and interest is charged on any outstanding tax due. Last year almost a million penalty notices were issued to taxpayers who failed to file before the 31 January deadline.
Introduced in 1997, self assessment applies to the self-employed, company directors, partners, higher-rate taxpayers, or people who otherwise have complicated tax affairs.
In total, 9.8 million self assessment tax returns were issued during 2004-05. 998,000 £100 penalty notices were issued for returns filed after the 31 January deadline last tax year.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 15.12.2005
