HMRC extends tax return deadline by 30 days HM Revenue & Customs has effectively pushed back the annual tax return deadline to the end of February after saying fines for late filing this year would be waived for 30 days. The decision comes as almost half of self-assessment taxpayers are yet to hand in their paperwork ahead of the January 31 deadline. Additional penalties for late payment, which normally apply a month after the January 31 deadline, will also be waived for a month, HMRC said. Accountants had this week warned of widespread staff shortages caused by the spread of omicron which were making it impossible for professionals to meet the cut-off date. Financial Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Frazer said the Government understood omicron was “putting people under pressure” adding that the move would provide “breathing space” for millions of people.