More than 4,600 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return on Christmas Day, data published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) shows.
In total, 37,435 customers filed between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, suggesting that for some, festive filing is becoming as much a tradition as watching the King’s Speech (or avoiding the washing up).
The festive filing breakdown shows:
- Boxing Day (26 December): 10,479 tax returns filed, – peaking between 15:00 and 15:59 with 946 submissions.
- Christmas Eve (24 December): 22,350 tax returns filed, with peak filing time between 11:00 and 11:59 when 3,159 customers submitted their returns.
- Christmas Day (25 December): 4,606 tax returns filed, with the busiest hour between 13:00 and 13:59 when 359 returns were received.
Customers who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code. Filing early also means more time to explore payment options if needed.
The HMRC app makes it simple to pay your Self Assessment bill and set up payment reminders. Customers can also find help online including YouTube videos, webinars and step-by-step guidance covering different sections of a tax return. For a list of all payment methods, search ‘Pay your Self Assessment tax bill’ on GOV.UK.
“Millions of customers have already completed their tax returns and can start 2026 with one less thing to worry about,” said Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer.
“For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute. Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to get started.”
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