HMRC ISSUES LAST REMINDER FOR 2020/21 PERSONAL TAX RETURNS.
HMRC is reminding taxpayers that the deadline to submit 2020/21 personal tax returns through self-assessment is on or before midnight on 31 January 2022.
Some 407,510 startups were created during the 2020/21 tax year, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Those who are unincorporated require a unique taxpayer (UTR) code to file their first tax returns via self-assessment for the 2020/21 tax year.
But the tax authority is experiencing long delays in processing requests for the 10-digit UTR codes, according to The Times.
Taxpayers usually get these within 10 days of signing up for self-assessment, the deadline for which is 5 October. If they have not received their UTR code by 31 January 2022, they will not incur an instant £100 late-filing penalty for missing that self-assessment registration deadline.
Instead, they will have three months to submit their tax returns from the date their self-assessment record is set up.
Payment of any tax due should still be made by 31 January 2022 to avoid interest charges, and by 2 March 2022 to avoid a 5% late-payment penalty.
It’s possible to do this without referring to a UTR number by using a National Insurance number.
Last year, 10.7 million taxpayers filed their personal tax returns for 2019/20 before the usual deadline – around 400,000 down on the previous year.
You might be interested in...
16 Sep 2026
Financial planning is about more than investments. Learn how business owners and professionals can gain clarity, build confidence and make better decisions about their future.
Watch now
Beyond the Books, Episode 9
11 Sep 2026
Many businesses dismiss their innovation as "just part of the day job". But for tax purposes, innovation often hides in everyday problem-solving and technical improvements. Discover what really qualifies as R&D.
Learn more
What really counts as innovation for tax purposes?
11 Sep 2026
Could your business operate without you? Join our webinar in October to learn how to reduce owner dependence, strengthen leadership and build long-term business resilience.
Learn more
Webinar: Building a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You
02 Sep 2026
For international groups, uncertainty around audit requirements can create unnecessary pressure, duplicated work and reporting delays. This article explains the difference between UK statutory audits and group reporting.
Learn more
UK statutory audit vs group reporting: what international groups need to know
01 Sep 2026
Why resilient SME leaders are turning to scenario planning to stay agile, reduce risk and make decisions with confidence.
Learn more
The New Business Strategy Isn’t One Plan – It’s Multiple Futures
26 Aug 2026
From 30 Sept 2026, the charity audit threshold rises to £1.5m. Learn what this means for your charity and whether you still need an audit.
Learn more
Charity audit thresholds are increasing: should your charity still have an audit?