HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a fresh warning to taxpayers who have not yet submitted their Self Assessment tax returns, revealing that tens of thousands of people worked on their forms over the festive period.
Festive Filing Frenzy Revealed
New data from the tax authority shows a surprising level of activity during the Christmas holidays. A total of 37,435 individuals completed their tax returns across the three main festive days. On Christmas Eve, 22,350 returns were filed, with the peak hour between 11:00 and 11:59 when 3,159 submissions were made.
Even on Christmas Day itself, 4,606 people filed their returns, with the busiest period being between 13:00 and 13:59. Boxing Day saw another 10,479 submissions, peaking in the late afternoon.
Time is Running Out: The 31 January Deadline
With just one month remaining until the 31 January 2026 deadline, HMRC is encouraging all remaining customers to begin the process immediately to avoid a last-minute scramble.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, stated: "Millions of customers have already completed their tax returns and can start 2026 with one less thing to worry about. For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute. Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment."
She advised those yet to start to search for ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to begin the process.
Key Benefits of Filing Early
Submitting your return promptly offers several significant advantages:
- Payment Flexibility: Customers who file before 30 December may be able to pay any tax owed through their PAYE tax code, spreading the cost over the next tax year.
- More Time to Pay: Filing early provides extra time to explore different payment options if you are unable to settle the full amount immediately.
- De-registration Option: Eligible customers can contact HMRC to de-register from Self Assessment before the filing deadline for a given tax year. If a return has already been sent, de-registration can be arranged for the following tax year.
HMRC also clarified an important point for pensioners: the 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, does not need to be included on the 2024 to 2025 tax return. These payments, received in Autumn 2025, will instead be accounted for in the 2025 to 2026 return, which is due by 31 January 2027.
The core message from HMRC remains clear: acting now provides certainty, prevents potential penalties for late filing and payment, and allows for a more stress-free start to the new year.
