HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a reminder to anyone in Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Wiltshire filing a Self Assessment tax return – don’t forget to submit it online and on time, or you could risk a £100 penalty.

Nine million people across the country have to file a tax return – including around: 98,000 with a Bournemouth postcode / 46,000 with a Dorchester postcode (Dorset) 128,000 with a Portsmouth postcode / 110,000 with a Southampton postcode (Hampshire and Isle of Wight) 45,000 with a Salisbury postcode / 73,000 with a Swindon postcode (Wiltshire) If you haven’t yet filed your 2007/08 tax return, you must send it online to HMRC by the 31 January deadline – file on paper and you could receive a £100 penalty, as the new 31 October paper-filing deadline has now passed.

If you’re new to online filing, you’ll need to register by visiting the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa and clicking ‘Register for Self Assessment Online’. A pin number will then be posted to you – it can take up to seven days to arrive, so make sure you register by 21 January, to allow enough time for the pin to arrive and for you to file your return online.

And don’t forget, 31 January is also the deadline for paying any tax you owe for the 2007/08 tax year.

HMRC Director Stephen Banyard said: “Don’t forget – if you are filing your return in January, you need to do it online. It is quick, secure and convenient, and if you have not filed online before there is plenty of help and support available.”

Where to get help A Self Assessment video podcast, offering help and advice on filling in your tax return, is available free from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts Further help is available on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

A number of local HMRC Enquiry Centres offer internet access for people who want to file their Self Assessment return online, including Bournemouth, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton and Swindon. To make an appointment with your local HMRC enquiry centre, contact the Self Assessment helpline.

In January and February, HMRC will be writing to individuals with their new tax codes for the 2009/2010 tax year. You only need to take action if you think your tax code is incorrect – first check the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-codes.htm