There were 4,757 customers who filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
A day traditionally dominated by eating, drinking, and exchanging gifts saw a perhaps surprising number of customers also find time to go online and complete the essential job of filing their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, ahead of the 31st January 2024 deadline.
25,769 tax returns submitted
Over the three-day festive period, 25,769 customers submitted their tax return, an increase compared to the same period last year, with 8,876 filing on Christmas Eve and 12,136 on Boxing Day. The peak time was between 12:00 and 12:59 on Boxing Day, when 1,121 returns were received by HMRC.
Lloyd: There is no time like the present
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said,
“Our Christmas Day filers proved that there is no time like the present to get started on Self Assessment, and with our online tool it can be a simple task that’s easy to fit around other festive commitments.
“There’s no need to delay, getting it done ahead of the 31st January deadline means less stress and longer to work out payment options. Get started today by searching ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK.”
Submit tax returns online
Customers can submit their tax return online, but they do not have to pay until 31 January 2024. However, those who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code.
HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return.
They can pay through the free and secure HMRC app. For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.
Payment plans
If customers cannot pay in full by the deadline, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online if the amount owed is less than £30,000. There is a new affordability assessment for customers to enter their income and spending to calculate disposable income and set up an affordable payment plan.
Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone – even a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
News shared by Lucy on behalf of HMRC. Ed
