Record number of tax returns filed over the festive period

16th January 2018 Tax Nicola Roby

Whilst most of us were tucking into our Christmas dinner and unwrapping our presents including our CHW Accountants Bolton, over 10,000 people used the festive break to submit their online tax return to HMRC. Whilst it is possible that such a high number may be due to people not celebrating Christmas, it’s likely that a lot of people are increasingly using the break to catch up on paperwork in advance of the 31 January deadline.

On Christmas Day 2017, 2,590 returns were submitted (up 33% on 2016) and a further 7,655 on Boxing Day (up 23% on 2016).  HMRC has also said, that in the hour leading up to midnight on Christmas Eve, 92 tax returns were submitted.

HMRC has released these figures as it launched a campaign to remind the UK’s 11.4 million self-assessment customers not to ignore completing their tax return.

The deadline for paper returns was 31 October 2017 and the deadline for online returns is 31 January 2018 and there is a £100 fine for a return which is up to 3 months late.

Nicola Roby, Director at CHW Accountants in Bolton said “Some people use the time when they are off work to alleviate the pressure the self-assessment season can bring.  Leaving your return to the last minute and indeed making your submission during what should be your holiday time can just add to the pressure.”

If you are one of the people who spent Christmas submitting your tax return and you’d like help in the future, or for any other small business accounts advice contact Nicola Roby, Director at CHW Accountants Bolton on 01204 534031 or via email at Nicola.Roby@chw-accounting.co.uk.

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