Thousands of people across the UK spent part of the Christmas period filing their Self Assessment tax returns, with more than 4,600 submissions made on Christmas Day alone, according to figures released by HM Revenue and Customs.
In total, 37,435 people completed their tax return between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, suggesting that festive filing is becoming a familiar ritual for some as the 31 January deadline approaches.
HMRC data shows that 22,350 returns were submitted on Christmas Eve, with the busiest hour between 11am and noon when 3,159 people filed.
On Christmas Day itself, 4,606 people completed their return, peaking between 1pm and 2pm with 359 submissions.
Boxing Day saw a further 10,479 returns filed, with the busiest period between 3pm and 4pm when 946 people submitted their information.
HMRC says the figures show that many people are choosing to get their tax affairs in order early, allowing them to start the New Year with one less task hanging over them.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“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. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to get started.”
Customers who file before 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 options if needed.
HMRC says the HMRC app allows customers to pay their Self Assessment bill, set up payment reminders and access guidance, videos and webinars to help complete returns.
The department is also reminding customers that they do not need to include Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payments received in Autumn 2025 on their 2024–25 tax return, as these will be recovered in the following tax year.
HMRC has urged people to remain alert to scams, warning customers never to share login details and to seek advice on spotting fraudulent messages via GOV.UK.
With one month remaining until the 31 January deadline, HMRC is encouraging anyone who has not yet filed to start now rather than risk last-minute pressure.
