October tax return deadline
The self-assessment deadline for the 2009-10 paper tax returns is 31 October 2010. This is the third year where there have been different filing deadlines for paper and electronic filings. The deadline for electronic filing remains 31 January 2011.
There are some minor exceptions to the paper filing date of 31 October 2010. For example where you received a tax return or a letter (called a ‘Notice to File’) telling you to file online after 31 July.
Taxpayers should send paper tax returns by post to arrive by Saturday 30 October 2010. Paper tax returns can also be submitted by hand at any HMRC enquiry centres.
HMRC no longer issue receipts for tax returns sent by post or delivered directly to HMRC enquiry centres.
Any return found in an HMRC post box when it is opened on the morning of 1 November will be treated for all purposes as received by 31 October. A return received after the office opens on 1 November, while not attracting a late filing penalty, will be open for enquiry for an extra month at least.
The payment deadline for any tax due is 31 January 2011. This date is the same irrespective of the method of filing.