Millions of UK taxpayers remain at risk of a £100 fine if they fail to file their online self-assessment tax returns by midnight tonight, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The warning comes as more than three million people have yet to submit their returns for the 2023-24 tax year, prompting HMRC to advise last-minute filers to go online for help and to use the HMRC app to pay any outstanding balance once their returns are finalised.
In a significant shift this year, platforms such as eBay and Vinted must share data with HMRC on sellers who meet specific thresholds—selling 30 or more items or earning at least £1,700. This information will be matched against individual tax returns, although HMRC emphasises that there is no new tax charge for people merely selling personal items occasionally.
“We cannot be clearer—if you are not trading and just occasionally sell unwanted items online, there is no tax due,” HMRC said.
Anyone who misses the midnight filing deadline will incur an immediate £100 penalty, even if they have no tax to pay. After three months, daily fines of £10 per day (up to a maximum of £900) apply, with further penalties after six and twelve months, plus added interest on any overdue amount.
Around 8.6 million people have already filed self-assessment returns, which include earnings from small businesses, freelance work, and additional income streams. However, accountant Benedicta Egbeme from BeniRatio Finances cautions that individuals who earn more than £1,000 through side businesses—such as online reselling or providing ad-hoc services—must register for self-assessment.
While the new reporting requirements do not create a fresh tax charge, they aim to ensure that those genuinely trading or offering services for profit are correctly reporting their earnings. HMRC advises that potential sellers at risk include those buying goods for resale, manufacturing items to sell, offering delivery driver services, or letting out properties for holiday rentals.
