Thousands of taxpayers chose to spend part of their Christmas break tackling their tax affairs, with more than 4,600 people filing their Self Assessment returns on Christmas Day alone, new figures show.
Data released by HM Revenue and Customs reveals that 37,435 people submitted their returns between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, suggesting that for a growing number of taxpayers, festive filing is becoming a seasonal habit.
Christmas Eve proved the busiest of the three days, with 22,350 returns filed. The peak hour was between 11am and noon, when 3,159 customers hit submit. On Christmas Day itself, 4,606 people completed their returns, with the busiest hour falling between 1pm and 2pm. Boxing Day saw a further 10,479 returns filed, peaking mid-afternoon.
While many opted to deal with tax rather than turkey, HMRC found attitudes were mixed when it spoke to shoppers at Manchester’s Christmas markets, where most said they would rather focus on festive food than finances.
With just one month to go until the 31 January filing deadline, HMRC is urging those who have yet to complete their return to get started as soon as possible.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said millions of people had already filed and could start the new year with “one less thing to worry about”.
“For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute,” she said. “Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment.”
Taxpayers who submit their return by 30 December may be able to pay any tax owed through their PAYE tax code, while filing early also gives more time to explore payment plans if needed.
HMRC highlighted the use of its app and online support tools, including step-by-step guidance, webinars and YouTube videos, to help customers complete their returns and pay what they owe. The department also pointed to a new digital PAYE service for the High Income Child Benefit Charge, allowing some claimants to leave Self Assessment altogether and settle the charge through their tax code instead.
HMRC also reminded customers that Winter Fuel Payments received in autumn 2025 do not need to be included on returns for the 2024-25 tax year, as these will be recovered in the following year’s return.
With the deadline fast approaching, the message from HMRC is clear: filing early can reduce stress, provide clarity on liabilities and make the start of 2026 a little easier.
