The Self Assessment deadline for the 2024/25 tax year has now passed, and the final figures highlight just how last-minute the process still is for many taxpayers.
According to HMRC data reported by the BBC:
- More than 11 million people filed their Self Assessment tax return by the 31 January deadline
- Around 475,000 returns were submitted on the final day alone
- Over 27,000 taxpayers filed in the very last hour before midnight
- Despite this, HMRC estimates that around 1 million people missed the deadline and now face penalties
These numbers underline a familiar pattern: filing is often left until the final days — or missed entirely — increasing stress, the risk of penalties, and the likelihood of rushed decisions.
Filing early is allowed — and often overlooked
Although 31 January is the deadline for filing and paying any tax due, many taxpayers don’t realise that returns can be submitted from April onwards, shortly after the tax year ends.
Filing earlier gives you:
- More time to understand your tax position
- Better cash-flow planning
- The opportunity to address any issues calmly — not under deadline pressure
A large or unexpected tax bill? Act early — not next January
If your latest tax bill was higher than expected, the most important takeaway is this:
The best time to reduce next year’s tax bill is now.
Many tax-efficient strategies — such as pension contributions and other planning opportunities — must be arranged and paid before 5 April 2026 to have any impact on your 2025/26 tax position. Leave it too late, and those opportunities are lost.
Missing the deadline comes at a cost
HMRC applies penalties automatically once the deadline is missed:
- £100 immediate late-filing penalty
- Additional penalties can apply if delays continue
Even where little or no tax is owed, penalties can still arise — making early planning far more cost-effective than damage control.
How we can help
At F9 Consulting Limited, we help individuals and business owners take a proactive, structured approach to tax — avoiding last-minute stress and helping ensure there are no surprises.
We’re currently offering a free 1-hour initial consultation to review your position and discuss how to manage your tax and finances to your maximum benefit.
👉 Now is the time to plan — not January.
Get Ahead of the Next Tax Deadline
If you’d like to take control of your tax planning and avoid last-minute pressure, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us: 01277 223278
✉️ Email us: sales@f9consulting.co.uk
🌐 Visit us: www.f9consulting.co.uk
