NEARLY 25,000 taxpayers began the new year by completing their Self Assessment tax returns on January 1, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. An additional 38,000 individuals submitted their returns on December 31, with 310 filing just before midnight.

With less than a month until the January 31 deadline, HMRC warns that 5.4 million people still need to file their returns to avoid penalties. Filing and paying on time supports public services and the government’s economic stability initiatives.

Avoid Penalties by Filing on Time
Failing to meet the January 31, 2025, deadline for the 2023-24 tax year could result in an initial penalty of £100. Additional charges apply for prolonged delays:

• After three months: £10 daily fines up to £900.
• After six months: 5% of the tax owed or £300, whichever is greater.
• After 12 months: A further 5% or £300, whichever is greater.

Late payments also incur a 5% penalty after 30 days, six months, and 12 months, plus interest on unpaid amounts.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC Director General for Customer Services, urged taxpayers to act promptly:

“Completing your tax return may not be the most exciting task, but filing and paying on time is essential to avoid penalties or interest charges. The easiest way to do this is via our online services on GOV.UK.”

Support for Taxpayers
Around 97% of taxpayers now file online, benefiting from features such as saving progress and returning later to complete their submissions. Payments can also be made securely through the HMRC app, which includes reminders for deadlines.

For those struggling to meet the deadline, HMRC advises contacting them before January 31 to discuss reasonable excuses.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?
Taxpayers must complete a Self Assessment if they:

• Are newly self-employed and earned over £1,000.
• Earned below £1,000 but wish to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.
• Became a partner in a business partnership.
• Received untaxed income exceeding £2,500.
• Receive Child Benefit and must pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge due to earnings above £50,000.

Beware of Scams
HMRC warns taxpayers to remain vigilant against fraud. Criminals often use emails, texts, or calls to steal personal and financial information. Taxpayers can verify suspicious communications by searching “HMRC tax scams” on GOV.UK.

For more information, resources, and step-by-step guidance, visit GOV.UK or watch HMRC’s tutorials on YouTube.

SHADOW MINISTER for Economy and Energy and Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has commended Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators in the Senedd for their exceptional response in managing increased traffic following severe disruptions at Holyhead Port.

The disruption, caused by Storm Darrah, brought winds of up to 96 mph in early December, causing widespread damage across Wales and significantly impacting Holyhead Port.

As one of the UK’s busiest ports, Holyhead typically handles 2 million passengers annually and serves as a critical link to Ireland for commercial shipping and ferry services.

In response to Holyhead’s temporary closure, Pembroke Port and Fishguard Harbour, along with ferry operators, stepped up to ensure the seamless movement of goods and passengers. Key vessels involved in this effort included Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, alongside Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, which sailed from Pembrokeshire’s ports to support transportation needs.

Samuel Kurtz, who previously worked onboard ships on the Fishguard to Rosslare crossing, said following a statement in the Senedd Chamber: “The performance of Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators during this time of increased demand has been nothing short of remarkable. The contributions of vessels such as Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, and Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, underscore the strategic importance of our region in maintaining Wales’ economic resilience and connectivity.

“While we look forward to Holyhead Port resuming full operations, Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferries have proven their readiness to rise to the occasion, ensuring that Wales remains open for business. This southern corridor from Pembrokeshire to Rosslare has demonstrated its importance.

“This success is a direct result of the dedication, skill, and professionalism of the men and women who operate our ports and ferries. Their hard work deserves our deepest gratitude, as they have played a vital role in minimising disruption and safeguarding the flow of trade and travel during these uncertain times.”

A MAJOR developer has purchased land in Saundersfoot, clearing the way for it to bring new homes to the town.

Persimmon Homes West Wales secured planning permission to build 72 new, high-quality homes at Sandy Hill in the popular Pembrokeshire town back in July.

This agreement means all the pieces are in place for the builder to start works on site, with a view to having their first properties on the market this summer.

The scheme includes a mix of quality new one to four-bed detached and semi-detached homes as well as terraced houses and apartments that will help meet local housing needs and open the door to home ownership for more local families. The properties will be finished in render and stone.

Boasting a number of proposed community benefits, the development will bring a range of facilities to the local community, including an equipped play area at the heart of the site, contributions to highway and active travel upgrades, and a dedicated active travel link that connects the site back to Sandy Hill Road.

The design also incorporates a sustainable drainage system with bio-retention areas and rain gardens, green technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as well as ecological enhancements to mitigate impacts on dormouse habitats and preserve existing trees and hedgerows.

As part of the housebuilder’s community contribution, Persimmon will also transfer 35% of the homes (25 in total) to a local housing provider for rent and shared ownership to help alleviate pressure on Pembrokeshire’s housing list.

The five-star developer donates £48,000 across Wales each year to good causes and much-valued organisations as part of its Community Champions initiative. Recent local recipients include Saundersfoot Cricket Club, Saundersfoot Rotary Club’s Tenderfoot programme, and the 2025 Saundersfoot New Year’s Swim.

Welcoming the agreement, Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Managing Director, Stuart Phillips, said:

“We are delighted to have cleared this final hurdle that now means we can commence works at Sandy Hill to deliver much-needed new, high-quality homes to Saundersfoot.

“Persimmon is determined to leave a positive and lasting legacy where we build and we look forward to working with the local community and its leaders as we bring forward these new homes.

“I want to give my thanks to everyone involved in the Persimmon team as well as the local planning authority for all the work they’ve put in to get to this point.”