THE tax office is reminding people in Worcestershire to fill in their self assessment tax return - or face a possible £100 fine.

About 98,000 people across the county fill in the forms every year.

As the deadline for paper returns has now passed, any completed form must be done online by Sunday, January 31.

First-time users of the online service will have to register at hrmc.gov.uk/sa after which a code will be sent through the post which may take as long as seven days. As a result, early registration is advised.

HMRC’s Sarah Walker said: “If you haven’t yet sent us your 2008-09 tax return don’t forget it must be sent online before Sunday, January 31.

"If you haven’t filed online before, make sure you allow plenty of time to complete the registration process – that way, you’ll avoid a last-minute rush at the end of January.”

More help can be found online, or by calling 0845 9000 444 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.