With the use of cryptoassets growing, HMRC is urging people to avoid potential penalties and check if they are affected by the upcoming deadline.

People can check if they need to complete a tax return online using a free tool on Gov.uk.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “People sometimes forget that information about crypto-related income and gains need to be included in their tax return.

“Some people affected may not have had to do a tax return before, so it is important people check.

“With the Self Assessment deadline just a matter of weeks away, I am urging people not to put off completing it.”

Customers with cryptoassets will need to complete a Self Assessment tax return in pound sterling where:

• Their total taxable gain is above the annual tax-free allowance
• They receive cryptoassets from employment and income tax and National Insurance contributions have not been paid through PAYE
• Their total income is above the annual tax-free allowance they receive, including income from crypto-related activity

People who are unable to pay the tax they owe in full can access support and advice on the government website.

It may be HMRC can help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay, for those who owe less than £30,000. Time to Pay can be arranged by themselves online on Gov.uk.

HMRC considers a person’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline, and those deemed to provide a “reasonable excuse” may avoid a penalty.

The penalties for late tax returns are:

• An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
• After three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
• After six months, a further penalty of five per cent of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
• After 12 months, another five per cent or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of five per cent of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months, and interest will be charged on any tax paid late.