11.48 million file Self Assessment returns

More than 11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax returns on time for the 2024/25 tax year, HMRC has revealed.

On deadline day, 31st January, over 475,000 taxpayers submitted their returns, with 27,456 doing so in the final hour before midnight to avoid a £100 penalty for late filing.

With deadline day falling on Saturday, HMRC opened its helplines for the extra day to provide additional support for taxpayers. The tax authority’s advisers handled 5,409 webchats and 10,483 calls on 31st January alone.

More than 12 million Self Assessment customers were expected to file a tax return and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by 31 January. Anyone who needs to file a return and missed the deadline should meet their tax obligations as soon as possible, as late filing and late payment penalties are charged.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January. Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged. HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs.”

From 6th April, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income of more than £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to report earnings, rather than Self Assessment. As part of the changes, they will also need to submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses. HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now – whether they’re signing up a client or themselves, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and sign-up on GOV.UK to access the new service and start preparing now.