Press release

300,000 file tax returns in the first week of the tax year

300,000 early birds file their Self Assessment tax return in the first week of the new tax year.

Almost 300,000 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return in the first week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

Customers can file their Self Assessment returns for the 2023 to 2024 tax year between 6 April 2024 and 31 January 2025.

Almost 70,000 people filed their return on the opening day this year (6 April) and HMRC is encouraging people to do it early and not to leave it until January.

Visit 188体育 to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return.

By filing tax returns early, people can take their time to complete their returns 鈥� making sure the information is accurate and avoiding the stress of last-minute filing.

It can also help with budgeting and helping spread the cost of their tax bill. Customers can set up a budget payment plan to make weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards their next Self Assessment tax bill.

Refunds of overpaid tax will be paid as soon as the return has been processed. Customers can also check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app.

In recent years, HMRC has seen more and more customers file their tax returns early. Last year, more than 246,000 people submitted their Self Assessment between 6 and 12 April 2023.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC鈥檚 Director General for Customer Services, said:

Filing your Self Assessment early means people can spend more time growing their business and doing the things they love, rather than worrying about their tax return.

You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2023-24 tax year by searching 鈥楽elf Assessment鈥� on 188体育 and get started today.

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on 188体育.

Anyone who is new to Self Assessment and thinks they might need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year can use the Self Assessment online tool to check whether they need to register for Self Assessment and submit a return.

People may need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed if:

  • they are a self-employed individual with an income over 拢1,000
  • they have received any untaxed income聽over 拢2,500
  • they are renting out one or more properties
  • they claim Child Benefit and they or their partner have an income above 拢50,000
  • they are a partner in a partnership
  • their taxable income earned from savings and investments is more than the 拢10,000 personal savings allowance
  • their taxable income earned from dividends is more than 拢10,000
  • they have paid Capital Gains Tax on assets that were sold for a profit above the Capital Gains threshold

A full list of who needs to complete a tax return is available on 188体育.

Pensioners are required to pay Income Tax on any taxable income, including their pension income, above their Personal Allowance threshold. There are different ways to pay any tax owed, depending on the individual鈥檚 circumstances, including:

  • if they already complete a Self Assessment tax return, they will need to report and pay via this route
  • if they have a PAYE tax code, HMRC will automatically collect any tax through their tax code

Alternatively, if a pensioner does not already pay tax via Self Assessment or PAYE, HMRC will send them a Simple Assessment summary. The Simple Assessment will tell them how much Income Tax they need to pay and the deadline 鈥� usually by 31 January following the end of the tax year. HMRC produces the Simple Assessment from the information it already holds so people do not need to do anything - there is no form to complete. More information about Simple Assessment is available on 188体育.

It is important that customers let聽HMRC聽know if there are any聽changes in details or circumstances聽such as a new address or name, or if they are no longer self-employed or their business has closed. They should not assume someone else will update聽HMRC聽on their behalf. If customers聽no longer need to do Self Assessment, they will need to tell聽HMRC. There are videos on that explains how to stop Self Assessment.

Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search 鈥�HMRC phishing and scams鈥� on 188体育 to check the sender or caller is genuine.

Customers should never share their HMRC sign-in details. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

Further information

Breakdown of filing data:

Date 23-24 SA returns 22-23 SA returns
6 April 67,870* 77,517
7 April 36,432* 31,715
8 April 50,428 18,896*
9 April 43,736 14,377*
10 April 36,678 29,284
11 April 32,092 38,006
12 April 28,014 36,415
Total 295,250 246,210

*weekend days

To deal with increasing demand we鈥檙e enhancing and expanding our digital services to give customers the quick and easy ways to manage their tax affairs that they expect. Our helpline and webchat advisers will always be there to support those who are vulnerable, digitally excluded, or have complex tax affairs.

The High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold increased to 拢60,000 from 6 April 2024, which will apply to tax returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

Updates to this page

Published 8 May 2024