2026–27: no points for late quarterly updates
HMRC isn't giving penalty points for late quarterly updates in the 2026–27 tax year. You still need to send all your quarterly updates before you can submit your tax return, so it's worth catching up, but this is the gentlest year to learn.
The soft landing is for quarterly updates only. A late tax return earns a point from the start, including the 2026–27 return due 31 January 2028.
How the points system works
- You get one penalty point for each quarterly update deadline you miss (for tax years after 2026–27) and for a late tax return.
- The threshold is 4 points. When you reach it, you get a £200 penalty.
- You then get another £200 penalty each time you miss a deadline while you're at the threshold.
Alex misses the 7 August 2027 and 7 November 2027 deadlines (2 points) and the 7 May 2028 deadline (3 points), then files the tax return late (4 points). At 4 points Alex gets a £200 penalty, and another £200 for any further missed deadline until the points are reset.
If you're volunteering
If you've signed up before you have to, late quarterly updates don't earn points while you're a volunteer. Late tax returns still do, and for volunteers 2 points (not 4) mean a £200 penalty. HMRC will contact you to confirm when the full rules apply to you.
Clearing points
If you're below 4 points, each point is removed automatically 24 months after the deadline you missed. If you've reached 4 points, they're all reset once you've:
- sent your quarterly updates and submitted your tax return on time for 12 months, and
- sent any outstanding updates and tax returns from the previous 24 months.
Paying late is separate
Penalties for paying tax late work differently from submission points and depend on how late you pay:
| Paid | 2026–27 | 2027–28 |
|---|---|---|
| Within 15 days | No penalty | No penalty |
| 16 to 30 days late | 3% of the tax owed at day 15 | 4% of the tax owed at day 15 |
| 31 days or more late | 3% at day 15 and 3% at day 30, then 10% a year on what's still owed | 4% at day 15 and 4% at day 30, then 10% a year on what's still owed |
In your first year under the new penalties you get 30 days (not 15) to pay in full or agree a payment plan before any penalty, once only. HMRC's penalties guidance has the details.
Our free reminders email you 14 days and 3 days before every deadline.
This guide explains HMRC's published rules without the jargon. It's information, not tax advice, and it was accurate when we checked it on 19 October 2026. For your own situation, check your HMRC online account or speak to an accountant.