Thousands submit their self-assessment tax returns on Christmas Day

With thousands opting to give themselves the gift of tax reporting efficiency either side of tucking into their Christmas dinners, it demonstrates the growing urgency for taxpayers to get their 2024-25 affairs in order. 

According to official data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), 37,435 people submitted their self-assessment tax returns on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and a further 54,053 on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 

HMRC's statistics show that over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day:

The deadline for 2024-25 online tax returns is fast approaching on 31st January, with anyone missing the boat set to face an automatic £100 late-filing penalty. 

If you are unsure whether you need to file a self-assessment tax return, please read our guide, which can be found here.

5.65 million taxpayers have not submitted their tax returns

HMRC has revealed that almost 5.65 million taxpayers have still to submit their 2024-25 self-assessment tax returns. 

Those who leave it too late to submit and pay their returns may incur financial penalties if they don’t have a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline. 

Anyone three months late will be hit with £10 daily fines, up to a maximum of £900. Tax returns six months overdue will result in taxpayers facing another penalty worth 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater. The same fine is issued to anyone with a tax return that’s 12 months late. 

The sooner you submit your self-assessment tax return and calculate how much tax you need to pay, the sooner you can get clarity over your financial position. 

HMRC may even be able to assist with a Time to Pay payment plan, open to taxpayers owing less than £30,000. 

Last updated: 6th January 2026