HMRC has revealed that nearly 300,000 self-assessment taxpayers filed their returns in the first week of the new tax year. These early filers are almost 10 months ahead of the 31 January 2025 deadline. On 6 April alone, nearly 70,000 people submitted their returns.
HMRC is encouraging early filing to help taxpayers avoid the stress of last-minute submissions. They also highlight that early filing aids in budgeting, allowing taxpayers to spread the cost of their tax bills with weekly or monthly payments through a budget payment plan. Additionally, any refunds due from overpaid tax will be processed and paid promptly once the return has been filed.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
‘Filing your self assessment early means people can spend more time growing their business and doing the things they love, rather than worrying about their tax return.
‘You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2023-24 tax year by searching ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK and get started today.’