Over 40,000 File Tax Returns During Festive Season, HMRC Reports

More than 40,000 individuals took time out of their holiday festivities to file their 2023–24 Self Assessment tax returns during the Christmas period, new figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed.

While many were enjoying turkey dinners or relaxing with family, a significant number of taxpayers opted to tackle their returns early. On Christmas Day alone, 4,400 people submitted their online returns. The day after Christmas saw an additional 11,932 filings, while 23,731 individuals chose to prepare their returns on Christmas Eve instead of leaving it until the last minute.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, commended those who filed early, highlighting the peace of mind they secured before ringing in the New Year. “For anyone who hasn’t started, our online service is available all year round—plenty of time to get it done before 31 January,” Lloyd said.

For those who submit their returns by 30 December, there is the added benefit of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code. However, the final deadline to pay taxes is 31 January 2025, leaving taxpayers with a bit more time to settle their bills.

The figures come as part of HMRC’s ongoing push to remind individuals of the importance of filing their tax returns on time to avoid penalties. With the online service available 24/7, the tax authority encourages those who haven’t yet filed to do so well before the deadline.

As the end of the year approaches, the filing figures reflect a growing trend toward early submission, which allows taxpayers to focus on the festive season without the looming worry of last-minute tax filing.