Thousands filed tax returns on Christmas Day | Personal Finance | Finance

More than 4,000 people pushed aside presents and turkey dinners on Christmas Day to concentrate on filing their tax returns, according to HMRC.

In total, 40,072 customers fiilled in their online tax forms on the three days of Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day.

Of these, 4,409 completed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day itself.

And as many as 368 completed the task as the King was giving his annual address to the nation.

A total 11,932 of what the taxman calls “customers” missed out on leftovers for lunch, submitting their tax return on Boxing Day, with the most popular time being 4pm and 6pm.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “People who need to file a Self Assessment return and already have can enjoy the rest of the festive period knowing they’ve got it wrapped up for another year, and can enjoy singing Auld Lang Syne knowing their tax affairs are in order.

“For those who haven’t started yet, our online service is available 365 days a year so there’s still a chance to get it done before 2024 is out!

“Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to access the online help and start today.”

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.

Anyone who regularly sells goods or provides a service through an online platform can find out more about selling online and paying taxes on GOV.UK.

The information will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.

People may also need to file a return if they;

• are newly self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000
• earned below £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits
• are a new partner in a business partnership
• have received any untaxed income over £2,500
• receive Child Benefit payments and need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge because they or their partner earned more than £50,000

The HMRC has warned the public against being taken in by criminals who use the annual tax returns deadline to steal ID and financial information.

It said: “Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers.

“Customers can find more information on how to identify a scam and access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam, on GOV.UK.”

People who have already submitted their tax return online have until the 31 January 2025 to pay the tax they owe. Those who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code.

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.