03 Jan 2017
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has revealed that thousands of taxpayers submitted their self assessment tax returns online over the festive period.
According to HMRC data, 6,214 individuals submitted their tax returns online on Christmas Eve, while 1,944 taxpayers filed their returns on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, 6,200 people filed their tax returns on Boxing Day.
The figures reveal a minor fall in the number of people filing on Christmas Day compared to 2015. However, the number of taxpayers who submitted their return on Boxing Day rose by almost 800 over the same period.
Experts have suggested that individuals who do not celebrate Christmas may have been amongst those who filed over the festive period, alongside taxpayers who used the break as an opportunity to catch up on their paperwork.
Online self assessment tax returns must be filed by midnight on 31 January. Tax returns submitted up to three months after this deadline will be subject to a £100 late filing penalty, even if there is no tax to pay.
Taxpayers who file their return even later will be required to pay a significantly higher charge.
We can help with all of your tax planning needs – please contact us for further assistance.