According to HMRC’s press release, 31,271 self assessment taxpayers filed their tax returns between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The self assessment deadline is the 31st January 2022 with an extension given until the end of February 2022 because of Covid.
Festive filing figures
HMRC says: “For thousands of customers, filing their tax return on 25 December has become part of their Christmas tradition…”. This is a very positive interpretation of the fact that thousands of business owners used their minimal time off work to get essential admin done during the festive period.
HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, Myrtle Lloyd, said:
“Filling in a tax return won’t have been on many people’s to do lists for Christmas, but please don’t leave it until the end of January either. We have videos, guidance and helpsheets to support you (just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more).”
The festive filing figures for Christmas 2021 are:
- Christmas Eve: 19, 802 tax returns filed. Peaked at 2,914 between 11.00 and 11.59
- Christmas Day: 2,828 filed. Peaked at 227, between 12.00 and 12.59
- Boxing Day: 8,641 filed. Peaked at 821, between 12.00 and 12.59
These are similar figures to December 2020:
- Christmas Eve: 20,200 filed
- Christmas Day: 2,700 filed
- Boxing Day: 8,500 filed
Maybe it’s a traditional thing for some people, after all.
Don’t forget the new ‘Time to Pay’ option
HMRC has set up a new system to help self assessment taxpayers who can’t afford to pay their tax bill all in one go. It’s called ‘Time to Pay’ and is an instalment payment plan. It means that you can spread your tax bill across 12 smaller monthly payments.
You can set this up yourself online if you fit the following criteria:
- Your 2020 to 2021 tax return is filed with HMRC
- Your tax bill is under £30,000
- You can pay off your tax debt within the next 12 months
- You’re within 60 days of the payment deadline
If you don’t fit this criteria, you may still be able to set up an HMRC Time to Pay arrangement, but you’ll need to contact the Self Assessment Payment Helpline (0300 200 3822) directly.
HMRC self assessment help
HMRC has a lot of different types of help to guide people through the self assessment process. It’s worth checking our whatever format suits you best, or give them a ring with any questions.
Protect yourself online
Just our usual reminder to think before you click on anything offering you a tax rebate, tax help or anything to do with HMRC that’s arrived out of the blue.
Protect yourself against any scams by checking the authenticity of every message, email or phone call before you enter into any discussion.
As long as you don’t click on any links, or give any personal and financial information, you’ll be safe. If you’re not sure, phone HMRC and ask them if its genuine.
Tony Shanks