HMRC estimates 11.3m of 12.2m of the taxpayers who had to file a self-assessment tax return for the 2020/21 tax year did so by 28 February 2022.
Individuals and trusts required to submit a self-assessment return must usually do so by the 31 January that comes after the tax year in question to avoid a fine.
However, HMRC announced in early January 2022 that no fines would be applied for tax returns that were filed past the typical deadline but were sent to them by 28 February 2022.
This essentially extended the self-assessment deadline by a month, which HMRC also did for individuals filing their 2019/20 self-assessment tax return in 2021.
Lucy Frazer, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Today’s stats show how vital the extra month was in supporting the cashflows of more than a million self-employed people and businesses across the UK, helping to ensure their survival as we recover from the pandemic.”
Individuals who filed their return on time have until 1 April to pay their tax bill or set up a time to pay arrangement to avoid a financial penalty, although interest will still accrue from 1 February on any unpaid tax.
The time to pay service allows individuals and businesses to spread their payments of up to £30,000 in instalments.
You might be interested in...
10 Jul 2026
After his grandad died, TC Group Holbeach’s Digital Development Manager and keen cricketer, Jake Burton, thought a good way to honour him would be to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Five years on, he’s raised £67,000 and counting.
Learn more
How TC Group’s Jake Burton raised thousands to help fight dementia
07 Jul 2026
Could your business run without you? Explore why owner dependency is a major risk and how early succession planning can protect continuity and value.
Learn more
Succession Starts Long Before You’re Ready To Leave
07 Jul 2026
Making constant decisions is taking its toll on business owners. Explore why decision fatigue happens and how to build clarity into everyday decision-making.
Learn more
Decision Fatigue Is Not Weakness – It’s A Leadership Risk
07 Jul 2026
In a fast-moving, uncertain world, business owners need clarity, not certainty. Discover how real-time insight supports better decisions.
Learn more
Clarity Over Certainty: How Business Owners Can Regain A Sense Of Control
07 Jul 2026
In a world where certainty is no longer the norm, the businesses that succeed are those that keep moving. Drawing on insights from 1,500 UK business leaders, Stephen Watts explores how leadership is evolving.
Learn more
Why standing still in business is no longer an option
01 Jul 2026
TC Group has given a clear signal of its commitment to the success of the region by moving its team to the heart of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP).
Learn more
TC Group moves to the heart of Bournemouth