Number of Self Assessment customers who file early
doubles in 5 years
The number of Self Assessment customers who choose to file their tax return on the first day of the
tax year (6 April 2023) has more than doubled since 2018, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has
revealed.
More than 77,500 customers submitted their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year on 6 April
2023, compared to almost 37,000 customers on 6 April 2018.
The deadline to file tax returns for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024 and customers have
been able to submit theirs since the start of the new tax year.
By completing their Self Assessment early, customers have avoided the stress of last-minute filing –
something which encouraged more than 860,000 customers file their tax return for the 2021 to 2022
tax year on 31 January 2023.
Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return for the 2022 to
2023 tax year.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services,
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
“Filing your Self Assessment early means you can spend more time building your business or doing
the things that you enjoy and less time worrying about completing your tax return. To find out how
you can start yours and get help with budget planning, search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK.”
Customers can find out sooner if they are owed money. Once they have submitted their tax return
for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HMRC will let customers know as soon as the return has been
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processed and arrange for any overpayment to be refunded. Customers can also check if they are
due a refund in the HMRC app once they have filed their return.
Customers who file early also benefit from knowing how much tax they owe and can set up a budget
plan to help spread the cost and manage their payments. The Budget Payment Plan allows
customers to choose how much and how often they want to pay – putting them in control of
managing their bill.
Taxpayers can check if they need to complete a tax return by using the free online tool
Taxpayers can check if they need to complete a tax return by using the free online tool on GOV.UK.
They may need to do Self Assessment if, for example, they:
are newly self-employed and have earned over £1,000
are a new partner in a business partnership
have received any untaxed income
are claiming Child Benefit and you or your partner have an income above £50,000
HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.
It is important that customers let HMRC know if there are any changes in details or circumstances
such as a new address or name, or if they are no longer self-employed or their business has closed
down. They should not assume someone else will update HMRC on their behalf.
If customers no longer need to do Self Assessment, they will need to tell HMRC. Find out more
information on YouTube.
HMRC is reminding customers to protect their personal information and always be on their guard
against tax scams. If a customer is contacted by someone saying they are from HMRC, they should
never let themselves be rushed, especially if they are urged to transfer money or share personal
information. Customers should not share their HMRC login details with anyone, including their tax
agent. Tax scams come in many forms – some offer a rebate while others threaten arrest for tax
evasion. HMRC advises customers to take their time and if they’re unsure, check HMRC scams advice
on GOV.UK.
