WIREDGOV

There are just days left to send your 2012 to 2013 paper tax return to HMRC, if you want to beat the 31 October deadline and avoid a penalty.

Paper tax returns received on or after 1 November will result in a £100 penalty – even if there is no tax to pay or the tax due is paid on time.

If you’re not able to submit a paper return by the end of the month, you can avoid a late-filing penalty by sending your return online by 31 January.

As well as having an extra three months to file, if you file online your tax is calculated automatically and your tax return is processed faster, which means any tax refund you’re due is repaid more quickly. Registering for HM Revenue and Customs Online Services is simple – just go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/online.

If you are sending a paper return close to the deadline, HMRC recommends you obtain proof of posting, as this provides evidence of your posting date in the event of any appeal against a late-filing penalty.