THOUSANDS of taxpayers in Swindon and the south west are expected to be fined for missing Monday's tax deadline.

The beginning of next week is the last chance to submit self-assessment returns for the 2003-04 financial year.

It is applicable to anyone sent a 2003-04 tax return before the end of October last year.

Despite a widespread advertising campaign, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales says it does not expect the number of people who forget to send in their forms or miss the deadline to drop.

Institute south west regional manager Alison Clark said: "With just a few days to go to deadline, taxpayers should act now to ensure their self assessment forms are submitted on time to avoid wasting their hard-earned money on penalties and further heartache."

The fine for missing the January 31 deadline is an automatic £100 charge.

Then five per cent of the bill is added if the bill is not paid by February 28, and another £100 to pay if the return is not submitted by July 31.

After this, anyone who keeps the taxman waiting can be fined up to £60 a day.

To help Swindon taxpayers who have not yet completed their forms, Swindon Inland Revenue Inquiry Centre will be staying open late on Monday.

The offices on the second floor of Wiltshire Court in Farnsby Street will stay open until 8pm. A spokesman said: "To be sure of avoiding the £100 penalty, tax returns must reach the Inland Revenue by January 31.

"Customers cannot rely on being able to post a return through an Inland Revenue office letterbox after the office has closed on Monday, or on Tuesday. Not all offices have letterboxes."

Further help and advice is available by calling the self assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, open 8am to 8pm daily.