A new press release by HMRC has highlighted that 2,616 taxpayers took the time to file their tax return online on Christmas Day with a further 8,465 taxpayers completing their tax returns on Boxing Day. More than 11 million taxpayers are expected to complete a 2017-18 self assessment tax return this year.

Taxpayers are reminded that the deadline for submitting the 2017-18 self assessment tax returns online is 31 January 2019. Taxpayers should also be aware that payment of any tax due should also be made by this date. This includes both the payment of any balance of self assessment liability for the 2017-18, plus any payment on account due for the current 2018-19 tax year. There are penalties for late filings and late payment.

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

'This year, more than 2,600 taxpayers chose to file their returns on Christmas Day.Whether you fit it in while cooking the Christmas turkey, or after the kids have gone to bed, or after the Queen’s Speech, our online service is available for you to file your tax return at a time that suits you.'

Any taxpayers that are filing online for the first time should ensure that they register to use HMRC’s self assessment online service as soon as possible. Once registered an activation code will be sent by mail. This process can take up to 10 working days.

We would encourage taxpayers to complete their tax return as early as possible to avoid the last-minute stress as the 31 January 2019 filing date looms. Last year, over 750,000 taxpayers didn’t submit their tax returns until the final filing day of 31 January.