The tax office is urging their customers to file their tax returns before the end of the month. 

The deadline for Self Assessment tax returns is 11.59pm on January 31. 

HMRC says 5.7 million customers are yet to file their documents, with 6.5 million having already done it. 

It says 25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time being between noon and 12.59pm, when 2,677 customers filed. 

While the rest of the country were ringing in the New Year, 127 customers saw it in by filing their tax return between midnight and 0.59am on January 1. 

Over the New Year holiday, 49,317 customers who used the break to get a head start on their tax obligations. 

HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return. 

Customers who are unable to pay in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online.

Go to GOV.UK and search “HMRC payment plan” for more information. 

HMRC will consider a customer’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.  The penalties for late tax returns are: 

An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time. 

After 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900. 

After 6 months, a further penalty of five per cent of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater. 

After 12 months, another five per cent or £300 charge, whichever is greater. 

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5 per cent of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return.

"Don’t put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your Self Assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started start today."