Millions of Brits are about to get a £100 fine through the post

January is about to get even worse for millions of Brits who will get a £100 fine through the post if they don't act quickly.

The first month of the year is always a struggle - going back to work, stretching your budget until payday and the freezing weather - don't get me started on the weather.

But don't worry, you're not the only one who feels it.

'Around 2 million people in the UK' have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is 'a type of depression that you experience during particular seasons or times of year'.

"Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life," according to mental health charity, Mind.

"If you have SAD, you'll experience depression during some seasons in particular, or because of certain types of weather or temperature. You can experience it in winter or summer."

Experts say a change in diet, increase in exercise and doing things you actually enjoy can all combat against SAD.

Now, financial concerns are, of course, big in January and as the age old saying goes, 'when it rains it pours'.

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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that 5.7 million people have less than a month left to file their 2022-23 tax return.

So, make sure you don't miss the 31 January deadline and risk a £100 fine, plus further potential penalties.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return.

“Don’t put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your self-assessment. Go to gov.uk and search ‘self assessment’ to get started start today.”

HMRC said the quickest and easiest way that customers can pay their tax bill is via its app.

Information about the different ways to pay can be found on GOV.UK. People who are unable to pay in full can also access support and advice on the site.

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The penalties for late tax returns include an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time.

Further penalties could also apply, including:

• After three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900, may apply.
• After six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater, could be imposed.
• After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater, may apply.

You can submit your tax returns and pay any tax owed at GOV.UK.