Anyone who has been putting off filing their tax returns, now only has a week to get their house in order so as to avoid receiving a fine.

Self Assessment tax returns for the year 2011/12 must be sent to HMRC by no later than the 31 January 2013 with £100 late-filing penalties being issued to those failing to do so - even if they don't have any tax to pay, or it was paid on time.

Additional late-filing penalties after three, six and 12 months will also be handed out for anyone who persists in not sending the required information.

HMRC found that people often felt a real sense of relief, or peace of mind, once they sent in their return - like a weight being lifted from their shoulders.

A new ad campaign is encouraging people who still haven't sent their return to "do it today, pay what you owe and take a load off your mind", so they can experience "inner peace".

Further information on completing your tax return is available by visiting the HMRC website or by calling the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444 (open from 8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday).