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Free · 2025/26 · HMRC

Self Assessment Penalty Calculator 2025/26

Late filing penaltiesLate payment interest5% surchargesHow to appeal

Calculate exactly how much HMRC will charge you for a late self assessment return and late tax payment, including the £100 initial penalty, daily charges, 6-month and 12-month surcharges, and daily interest on unpaid tax.

SA Penalty & Interest Calculator
2025/26
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Late Filing Penalties
Late Payment Interest
Total Extra Cost
Penalty Breakdown

HMRC self assessment penalty structure

Missing the 31 January online filing deadline triggers an automatic £100 penalty — even if you owe no tax. After 3 months, daily penalties of £10/day kick in for up to 90 days (maximum £900). After 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due (or £300, whichever is higher) is charged. After 12 months, another 5% (or £300) penalty applies, with higher rates possible in serious cases.

Late payment interest is charged at the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5% — currently around 7% per annum (as of early 2025). A 5% surcharge also applies to unpaid tax after 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months.

Key deadlines 2024/25 tax year

31 October 2025: Paper return deadline · 31 January 2026: Online return & payment deadline · 31 July 2026: Payment on account (2nd instalment)

Frequently asked questions

Can I appeal an HMRC penalty?
Yes — if you have a “reasonable excuse” you can appeal within 30 days of receiving the penalty notice. HMRC accepts reasons such as serious illness, bereavement of a close relative, unexpected computer or HMRC website failure, or postal delays. They do not accept reasons like “I didn’t know”, “I found the form too complicated”, or “my accountant failed to file”. Submit your appeal using the SA370 form (or online via your Government Gateway account). If HMRC rejects your appeal, you can escalate to the First-tier Tax Tribunal.
What if I can’t pay my tax bill?
Contact HMRC before the deadline. They offer a Time to Pay (TTP) arrangement where you pay in instalments — typically up to 12 months, sometimes longer for genuine hardship. Interest still accrues on the outstanding balance, but late payment surcharges are usually suspended while you’re on an approved TTP. Call the Self Assessment helpline (0300 200 3310) or set up a TTP online via your Government Gateway if your bill is under £30,000.

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