More than 4,400 taxpayers skipped the sprouts to file their Self Assessment returns on Christmas Day, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
In total, over 40,000 individuals completed their tax returns during the Christmas holidays, ensuring their finances were in order well before the 31 January deadline.
Festive filing patterns revealed a surprising dedication to admin amidst the celebrations, with Christmas Eve leading the charge as 23,731 filers swapped last-minute shopping for tax tasks.
On Christmas Day, the most popular time to file was between 3:00 pm and 3:59 pm, with 368 returns submitted in that hour.
Boxing Day saw 11,932 people log on, with peak activity occurring between 4:00 pm and 4:59 pm when 1,108 returns were filed.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, praised those who took the opportunity to get their returns done early, urging others to follow suit before the new year creeps up.
“By filing early, customers can enjoy the festive season knowing their tax affairs are sorted,” Lloyd said, encouraging filers to utilise HMRC’s online services and guidance.
Those who meet the 31 January deadline will have until then to pay any tax owed, while individuals filing by 30 December may be eligible to pay through their PAYE tax code.
HMRC is promoting its app as the quickest way to settle tax bills, offering convenience at the tap of a screen.
The Self Assessment obligation extends to a variety of circumstances, including those who are self-employed, business partners, or recipients of untaxed income over £2,500.
Parents receiving Child Benefit who exceed the £50,000 income threshold are reminded to account for the High Income Child Benefit Charge in their returns.
HMRC also warns taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams, with advice on spotting fraud available on its website.
For those who haven’t started, online resources, including video tutorials, make filing simpler than ever.
Whether you’re newly self-employed or selling online, there’s no need to let taxes take you by surprise—start today and avoid a last-minute panic.
The quickest and easiest way to pay a Self Assessment tax bill is via the HMRC app
For a full list of ways to pay, visit GOV.UK.
For anyone who is yet to start their Self Assessment, there’s plenty of information and guidance online, including YouTube videos, to help people complete their return.
