Why do people still do paper tax returns?

29 Oct 2024

The paper self assessment deadline is looming but a sizeable number of taxpayers are loathe to file online. Graeme Hills, head of tax at Duncan & Toplis gives some very handy tips for paper filers

As HMRC continues its mission to phase out paper tax returns, most people needing to complete their self assessment online will be working towards a deadline of 31 January 2025.

However, the deadline for those still returning paper self assessments is looming, with Thursday 31 October being the latest that HMRC must receive the completed tax return.

According to HMRC, around 3% of tax returns filed in the last tax year were paper - which despite feeling minimal, still represents 335,000 tax returns.

With so many people still returning their self assessment in this way, we look to the reasons why - and offer support and guidance to those who need it.

Individual circumstances