The tax authority said more than 10.2 million returns were filed ahead of the original deadline, leaving 2.3m still to file.
Late-filers had until 28 February 2022 to file their 2020/21 tax returns online before being fined, due to pressures ensuing from the pandemic.
However, interest on outstanding tax bills is accruing at 3% and HMRC’s late-filing penalties regime kicks in as usual from 1 March 2022.
Late-paying taxpayers have until 1 April 2022 to pay their tax bills in full, or set up a time-to-pay arrangement.
These arrangements spread the cost of repaying tax bills of up to £30,000 into manageable monthly instalments, usually over a period of up to 12 months.
A 5% late-payment penalty will be charged if tax is not paid or a payment plan has not been set up by midnight on 1 April 2022.
Myrtle Lloyd, director-general for customer services at HMRC, said: “I’d like to thank the millions of customers and agents who sent us their tax returns and paid in time for January’s deadline.
“Customers can set up a monthly payment plan online if they’re worried about paying their tax bill.”
You might be interested in...
01 May 2026
As we've now entered the new tax year, we've outlined below how to prepare for the new tax system changes for 2026/27 and why planning ahead for your tax return in January 2027 is advised. Read our blog for an overview of the upcoming changes.
Learn more
New Tax System Changes for 2026/2730 Apr 2026
Statutory accounts show the past. Management Information delivers timely insights into performance and cash flow, driving better commercial decisions.
Learn more
Why good Management Information is essential for Business Growth
28 Apr 2026
While you can’t control geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, shifting regulations, you can control how your business is structured to respond to them
Learn more
When To Review Your Business Structure
28 Apr 2026
Market volatility and deal pace are changing how SME owners view risk and reward. Read our insights on value creation in today’s M&A market.
Learn more
Increasing the Value of your Business
27 Apr 2026
Compliance matters, but most commercial problems do not arrive neatly at month end. Modern finance supports decisions as they happen, not just records them afterwards.
Learn more
Building a Better Business with an Outsourced Finance Function
20 Apr 2026
For many businesses, the loss of the key person can cause disruption. Having Key Person Insurance can ease financial risk and uncertainty.
Learn more
What Is Key Person Insurance and Why Does It Matters for Your Business?