IF you have to complete a tax return for 2013/14, and you haven’t yet sent it to HMRC, remember not to do it on paper. You may end up having to pay a £100 late-filing penalty.

The deadline for sending in (filing) a paper tax return for the tax year ending 5 April 2014 was 31 October 2014.

If your paper return is delivered to HMRC after that date, you will be charged a £100 penalty, unless you have ‘a reasonable excuse’ for sending it late. This applies even if you have no tax to pay.

Alternatively, if you complete your tax return online, you have until 31 January 2015 to send it to HMRC. To send an online tax return, you must be registered for HMRC Online Services.

This involves HMRC sending you an activation code in the post, so you need to allow time for this to arrive. You can register for online filing on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.

Most people don't have to complete a tax return. You can check whether you need to complete one by using a tool on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.

You can find guidance on what might be accepted as a reasonable excuse for not filing a tax return on time on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk. This page also gives information about how to appeal against a late-filing penalty.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from South Lakes Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, consumer problems, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems.

We have various outlets across South Lakeland and can also give advice over the phone – telephone 015394 46464 for an appointment and help.

If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Not many people realize that we are a charity - see our website for details www.southlakescab.org.uk.