Tax return deadline extended – but don't forget to file

HMRC is being slightly more lenient about tax returns this year, but falling behind will still incur hefty fines.

Alarm clock with "Tax time" written on it
Set your alarm for well before the end of the month
(Image credit: © Alamy)

With just over a week left until the end of January, many of us are thinking about our tax returns. But this year you have a bit more time to sort out your taxes because HMRC has extended the deadline.

In normal years you have until 31 January to file your tax return, but this year the taxman has pushed the date back to 28 February. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait. Not filing until February could still cost you money.

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.