How did you celebrate this year? HM Revenue and Customs has revealed that 2,828 taxpayers filed their self-assessment tax return on Christmas Day, compared to a ,ere 2,700 in 2020.
HMRC says that for thousands of taxpayers, filing their tax return on December 25 has become part of their Christmas tradition, with 227 choosing to complete their self-assessment between 12:00 and 12:59. Extraordinary!
In total, more than 31,000 customers submitted their 2020/21 tax return between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day – getting it in early ahead of the deadline on January 31 2022, and most festive filers completed their return on December 24. The details are:
- Christmas Eve: 19,802 tax returns were filed. The peak time for filing was 11:00 to 11:59 when 2,914 returns were received.
- Christmas Day: 2,828 tax returns were filed. The peak time for filing was 12:00 to 12:59 when 227 returns were received.
- Boxing Day: 8,641 tax returns were filed. The peak time for filing 12:00 to 12:59 when 821 returns were received.
Undoubtedly, the optimum time for preparing your tax return is between May and October in any tax year. Attention to detail, accuracy and effectively addressing planning opportunities are all enhanced. Having said that, the second best time for this task is NOW. Not a bad new year’s resolution.
A happy and prosperous 2022 to everyone.
Stephen Parnham
