‘We've Been Santa Lot Of Elf Assessments’ Says HMRC

Completing a tax return may not be on the top of your to-do list on Christmas Day, but that didn’t stop 3,003 taxpayers from filing their Self Assessment returns on 25 December.

For some customers, doing their tax return on Christmas Day is as traditional as enjoying the festivities with family and friends, or grabbing a bargain in the Boxing Day sales. This year, the peak time was between 12:00 and 12:59, when more than 245 customers filed.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

"Whether you squeezed it in before tucking into a Christmas pudding, after the Queen’s Speech, or trying to grab a bargain during the festive sales, our online service is available for you to file your tax return at any time you wish."

More than 11 million customers are expected to complete a 2018 to 2019 Self Assessment tax return form by 31 January 2020.

The number of tax returns filed during the festive period were:

25 December (total 3,003)

00.00 to 08.00: 248
08.01 to 16.00: 1,458
16.01 to 00.00: 1,297

26 December (total 9,254)

00.00 to 08.00: 380
08.01 to 16.00: 5,115
16.01 to 00.00: 3,759

For customers who are yet to start their 2018 to 2019 Self Assessment, films and webinars can take them through each stage of the process, with bespoke guidance for individuals’ varying circumstances. Help is also available on GOV.UK, on social media, or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.

If customers completed a Self Assessment tax return last year but didn’t have any tax to pay, they still need to complete a 2018 to 2019 tax return, unless HMRC has written to them to say that it is not required.