TWENTY years since HMRC took its first step into the digital age with the birth of electronic self-assessment, a reminder has gone out to its 1.9 million self-employed customers in the South East to complete their online tax return ahead of the January 31 deadline.

In 1997, the Inland Revenue introduced an electronic option for tax returns. Agents were sent floppy disks to help complete their self-assessment, which was then returned to the department. This year, two decades on, more than 10 million customers are expected to complete their tax return online.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s director general of customer services, said: “The deadline for returning your self-assessment, and paying any tax owed, is January 31, 2018. Do it now and enjoy the festive period.”