Around 2.7 million customers were yet to file their self-assessment tax return with just hours to go before the deadline at midnight on Tuesday (31 January).

Over 9 million taxpayers have already submitted and paid their tax returns for the 2021/22 tax year ahead of the deadline. Last year, more than 10 million customers completed their 2020/21 tax returns in time, while 3.4 million filed late.

HMRC urged taxpayers to complete their returns before midnight in order to avoid an automatic £100 fine. Self-assessment customers with no tax due will still be fined if they do not submit their returns in time.

For those who file their returns more than three months late, a daily £10 penalty will be also imposed up to a maximum of 90 days. After six months, late payers will owe either 5% of their tax bill or £300 - whichever is greater.

As such, taxpayers with outstanding tax returns should submit them as soon as possible to avoid further scrutiny from HMRC.

Director general for customer services at HMRC Myrtle Lloyd said:

"Time is running out for millions of people who still need to file their self-assessment and pay any tax owed."

Talk to us about your self-assessment returns.