A million taxpayers face fines

One million taxpayers face a £100 fine for failing to submit their self-assessment tax returns on time, HM Revenue and Customs has revealed.

More than nine out of ten people met the deadline – the highest proportion since the revenue body was created in 2005.

A record 9.45 million self- assessment tax returns were filed on time this year, meaning 90.4 per cent of taxpayers met the deadline.

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The original online filing deadline of 31 January was extended to 2 February because of a strike by tax office staff.

The proportion of people who filed online this year rose to 80 per cent, also a record high, and up from the 78 per cent of taxpayers who used the internet last year.

David Gauke, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “I’m delighted so many people filed their tax returns online this year. The record number proves that it’s quick, easy and secure to do.

“HMRC have always been clear that they want returns, not penalties.”

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