More than 11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by the 31 January deadline, with 97.25% of returns submitted online. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reported that 475,722 taxpayers filed on the final day, including 27,456 in the last hour. The busiest submission hour was 17:00 to 17:59, when 32,982 returns were submitted. HMRC advisers handled 5,409 webchats and 10,483 calls to the helpline, which was unusually open on a Saturday to support taxpayers on the deadline day.
Over 12 million Self Assessment customers were expected to file returns and pay any tax due for this tax year. Anyone who missed the deadline is urged to submit their return and pay owed tax as soon as possible to avoid late filing and payment penalties. Returns and payments can be completed through GOV.UK, with the HMRC app offering a fast and convenient payment option. Time to Pay arrangements are also available for eligible customers who cannot settle their tax bill in full.
HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, Myrtle Lloyd, thanked taxpayers and agents who filed on time, emphasizing the importance of using HMRC’s digital channels for efficiency. She also reminded late filers that penalties for submitting a tax return after the deadline start with a £100 fixed penalty, followed by daily fines of £10 after three months, and further charges at six and twelve months, alongside interest on unpaid tax.
For the 2025 to 2026 tax year, customers will be able to file returns from 6 April 2026. HMRC also highlighted that sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from 6 April 2026, submitting quarterly summaries of income and expenses. Eligible customers are encouraged to register early on GOV.UK to prepare for this change.
Additional updates include that Winter Fuel Payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers who believe they no longer need to file a tax return should notify HMRC promptly to ensure compliance.
Overall, the figures indicate strong online adoption and compliance among taxpayers, with HMRC providing guidance and support to help manage deadlines, penalties, and new digital tax requirements.
