People in the UK have just a few days left to pay any outstanding tax on second home sales.

For those who are yet to tell the tax man about any profit on the sale of a property that was not their main residence, the HMRC has set up the Property Sales Campaign for them to come forward voluntary.

Taxpayers have until September 6 to pay the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) that they owe, which applies to properties that have been rented out and holiday homes either in the UK or abroad.

Hundreds of people have already taken advantage of the campaign, and HMRC is reminding others that it’s not too late to get in touch.

Those who come forward of their own accord will receive the best possible terms, with any penalty being lower than if they are approached first.

After the September deadline, HMRC will take a much closer look at the tax affairs of people who have sold properties other than their main home, but who appear to have paid no CGT.

The department will use information that it holds about property sales in the UK and abroad to identify people who have not paid what they owe, with the possibility of penalties or even criminal prosecution for those with outstanding payments.

People do not have to be concerned about the sale of their main home or private residence, however, as this is usually exempt from CGT.

But the exemption may not always apply, such as when the property has not been their only home or main residence for some time, or they have used it for business, including letting the property, or they have sold part of the garden.

Some people may have even previously sold a second home without realising that it could attract CGT.

In these cases, Marian Wilson, head of HMRC Campaigns, advises them to look at HMRC’s website to find out if they owe any money.

She also adds that telling HMRC about your tax liabilities is straightforward, with help, advice and support all available to those who require it.