Significant number of tax returns filed over festive period, official figures reveal

03 Jan 2018

Figures published by HMRC have revealed that a significant number of taxpayers filed their self-assessment tax returns over the festive period.

18,825 self-assessment tax returns were submitted on New Year’s Eve, whilst a further 17,068 were filed on New Year’s Day.

Meanwhile, 6,033 taxpayers filed their tax return on Christmas Eve, and 2,590 individuals submitted their return on Christmas Day.

7,655 self-assessment tax returns were filed on Boxing Day.

Commenting on the figures, Angela MacDonald, Director General for Customer Services at HMRC, said: ‘It’s easy to put off doing your self-assessment, but that ‘niggle’ means it’s always on our customers’ minds.

‘We want to help remind our customers to get it done so they can alleviate that feeling, ensuring they can relax.’

The deadline for submitting 2016/17 self-assessment tax returns is midnight on 31 January 2018. Those that miss this deadline will receive a penalty of £100, even if there is no tax to pay. Further penalties will be issued for continued payment failures.

As your accountants, we can assist you in preparing and filing your self-assessment tax returns. We can also advise you on any payments due. Please contact us for help with your tax and accounting requirements.