I’m Late with My Self-Assessment – What Should I Do?!

Natalia Hales
Feb 12
3 min read

Uh-oh! You’ve just realised you missed the Self-Assessment deadline, and now you’re panicking. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the world. Many self-employed people, including cleaners, find themselves in this situation. The key is to act quickly, minimise penalties, and get back on track.

In this blog, we’ll break it down into two parts:

What to do if you’re late with your Self-Assessment
A step-by-step guide to submitting your Self-Assessment as a self-employed cleaner in Scotland

Let’s dive in!

Part 1: What to Do If You’re Late with Your Self-Assessment

First things first—don’t ignore it! Missing the Self-Assessment deadline can lead to penalties, but the sooner you act, the less you’ll have to pay. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check How Late You Are

The deadline for online submissions is 31 January following the end of the tax year (e.g., for the 2023/24 tax year, the deadline is 31 January 2025).
If you’re only a few days late, you might avoid penalties if you have a valid reason (e.g., illness or technical issues).

2. File Your Return ASAP

Even if you can’t pay your tax bill immediately, submit your return as soon as possible. HMRC penalties increase the longer you delay.

3. Understand the Penalties

1 Day Late: £100 fixed penalty, even if you don’t owe any tax.
3 Months Late: £10 daily penalties (up to £900).
6 Months Late: 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is greater).
12 Months Late: Additional penalties apply.

4. Contact HMRC if You’re Struggling

If you have a genuine reason for missing the deadline (e.g., illness, bereavement, or technical issues), contact HMRC immediately. They may waive penalties if your reason qualifies as a “reasonable excuse.”
Use the HMRC Self-Assessment helpline to explain your situation.

5. Set Up a Payment Plan

If you can’t pay your tax bill in full, don’t panic. HMRC offers a “Time to Pay” arrangement, allowing you to spread payments over several months.
You can apply for this online if your tax bill is under £30,000.

6. Learn from the Experience

Set reminders for future deadlines.
Consider hiring an accountant or using a tax consultancy service (like Blue Bee Partners!) to avoid future stress.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Self-Assessment

Now that you’re ready to tackle your Self-Assessment, here’s a simple guide to help you file it correctly.

Step 1: Register for Self-Assessment (if you haven’t already)

If this is your first time filing, you’ll need to register with HMRC. Visit the Self-Assessment registration page and follow the steps.
HMRC will send you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which you’ll need to file your return.

Step 2: Set Up a Government Gateway Account

Create an account on the HMRC website.
Use the activation code sent by HMRC to complete your setup.

Step 3: Gather Your Records

Make sure you have:

Total income from your cleaning business (£40,000 in this example).
Receipts for allowable expenses (e.g., cleaning supplies, travel costs, insurance).
Bank statements and invoices.

Step 4: Log In and Start Your Tax Return

Log in to your Government Gateway account.
Select “Self-Assessment” and start your tax return.

Step 5: Fill Out the Tax Return

Enter your income and allowable expenses.
HMRC will calculate your taxable profit and the amount of tax you owe.

Step 6: Submit Your Return

Double-check all the information before submitting.
Submit your return online and save the confirmation email.

Step 7: Pay Your Tax Bill

Pay your bill by 31 January to avoid further penalties.
If you can’t pay in full, apply for a payment plan through HMRC.

Final Thoughts

Missing the Self-Assessment deadline can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end of the world. By acting quickly and following the steps above, you can minimise penalties and get back on track.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Blue Bee Partners, we specialise in helping self-employed individuals like you navigate the tax system with ease. Let’s make tax season stress-free together!