HMRC has discovered that many people wait until the last minute to file their Self Assessment tax returns because they have busy lifestyles and are ‘putting it off.’
The deadline to file for the 2024/25 tax year is 31 January 2026 but taxpayers don’t need to wait until then and can file now. A record nearly 300,000 people filed their tax return in the first week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline, HMRC has revealed. Millions of others, however, decide to wait until closer to the deadline to file. HMRC has learned this is caused by: being unaware of the deadline; disorganisation; fear of the process; misunderstanding of the benefits of filing early; ‘too busy’ and not prioritising tax; or putting it off.
HMRC is this year encouraging all taxpayers to make life simpler for themselves by filing early. In addition to avoiding the stress of last-minute filing, there are other benefits to filing now:
- Pay via wages or pension: Filing a tax return before 30 December means HMRC can automatically collect tax owed from wages and pensions through the following tax year. Find out if you are eligible to pay this way.
- Get a tax refund sooner: Taxpayers can find out sooner if they have overpaid and they’re owed money and will be refunded sooner.
- Know what is owed: Finding out how much is owed sooner gives taxpayers time to budget and plan their payments. HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan service allows people to spread the cost of the next tax bill with regular weekly or monthly Direct Debit payments. For more information search ‘pay weekly or monthly’ on GOV.UK. Or watch our video on YouTube
- Proof of income: Filing early provides proof of income which may be needed for a mortgage, loan or to claim benefits.
It is quick and secure to file on GOV.UK with more than 97% of taxpayers filing easily online: File your Self Assessment tax return online. Customer satisfaction for online filers is consistently around 80%.
There are lots of ways to self-service online including ‘resetting an online password’, ‘getting your tax code’, and ‘getting your National Insurance number.’ Download the HMRC app – GOV.UK.
HMRC helpline and webchat advisers help those taxpayers who need extra support. Alternatively, they can ask a friend, relative or accountant to complete the tax return on their behalf. Find out more: Self Assessment tax returns: How to get help – GOV.UK.
People who have health issues or personal circumstances that may make it difficult to interact with HMRC online can be supported by its Extra Support Service. For more information, go to GOV.UK and search ‘get help from HMRC if you need extra support’.
Taxpayers who no longer need to send a Self Assessment tax return should contact HMRC as soon as possible. Penalties may be incurred for failing to file on time. Find out more here: Stopping Self Assessment – YouTube
