Thousands file tax return on Christmas Day

Completing a tax return may not be on the top of your to-do list on Christmas Day, but that didn’t stop more than 3,000 taxpayers from filing their Self Assessment returns on 25 December.

For some, 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 12-1pm, 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 2018/19 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 – 08.00: 248
08.01 – 16.00: 1,458
16.01 – 00.00: 1,297

26 December (total 9,254)

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