Thousands of taxpayers have decided to spend part of their Christmas holidays sorting out their tax affairs. More than 4,600 people submitted their self-assessment returns on Christmas Day alone, new figures show.
Data released by HM Revenue and Customs shows that 37,435 people filed their tax returns between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, suggesting that holiday tax filing is becoming a seasonal habit for a growing number of taxpayers.
Christmas Eve proved to be the busiest of the three days, with 22,350 returns filed. The peak time was between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., when 3,159 customers clicked send. On Christmas Day itself, 4,606 people completed their return, with the busiest time falling between 1pm and 2pm. A further 10,479 returns were filed on Boxing Day, with the peak occurring in the afternoon.
While many chose to focus on taxes rather than turkey, HMRC found attitudes were mixed when it spoke to shoppers at Manchester’s Christmas markets, where most said they would rather focus on festive food than finances.
With just a month to go until the January 31st filing deadline, HMRC is urging those who have not yet completed their returns to start as soon as possible.
HMRC chief customer officer Myrtle Lloyd said millions of people had already applied and could start the new year with “one less thing to worry about”.
“If you haven’t applied yet, you shouldn’t leave it until the last minute,” she said. “Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to make payment.”
Taxpayers who file their tax return by December 30 may be able to pay any taxes owed through their PAYE tax code, while filing early also gives more time to consider payment plans if necessary.
HMRC highlighted the use of its app and online support tools, including step-by-step instructions, webinars and YouTube videos, to help customers complete their returns and pay their debts. The department also highlighted a new digital PAYE service for the High Income Child Benefit Fee, which will allow some claimants to forgo self-assessment altogether and instead pay the fee through their tax law.
HMRC also reminded customers that winter fuel payments received in autumn 2025 do not need to be included on tax returns for the 2024-25 tax year, as these will be refunded on the following year’s tax return.
As the deadline approaches, the message from HMRC is clear: filing early can reduce stress, provide clarity about liabilities and make the start of 2026 a little easier.
