Time’s running out to sign up for online tax return

First-time tax return workers only have a few days to request a login or face a fine of £100.

First-timers face a lengthy 10-day wait to receive their government gateway ID, which is required to file a self-assessment tax return.

The slow processing times will result in thousands waiting until the end of the month to request a login to miss the January 31 deadline.

The self-employed and those claiming certain benefits or secondary income have until the end of the month to submit the forms online.

About 5.7 million self-assessments have been submitted, according to HMRC.

In all, it expects more than 12 million workers to file their returns before the deadline.

Last year, taxpayers had until February 28 to complete their assessment, but HMRC has confirmed there will be no extension this year.

Nimesh Shah, of tax consultant Blick Rothenberg, warns that those caught in the long wait will not be able to use it as an excuse for late payment.

He says: ‘Don’t delay your return until the 11th hour, for HMRC will have no sympathy if you miss the deadline.’

In addition to the one-off fine of £100 for late payment, employees who fail to apply on time face further fines of £10 per day if their return is more than three months late.

For more information visit gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-return-forms or call 0300 200 3310.