New Year’s Eve tax returns hit record high, finds HMRC
24,546 people sent off their self-assessment tax return on New Year's Eve, according to HMRC figures
24,546 people sent off their self-assessment tax return on New Year's Eve, according to HMRC figures
THOUSANDS of people celebrated the festive season by completing their tax return online, with HM Revenue & Customs recording a 2.8% yearly rise on the number of New Year’s Eve submissions.
On the very last day of 2015, 24,546 people sent off their self-assessment tax return, with more than 11,000 people waiting till New Year’s Day to hand in their returns.
HMRC reveals that 2,044 people spent Christmas Day completing their self-assessment, which is a 13% increase on last year’s record-breaking statistics.
The number of people handing in their tax returns on one of the biggest public holidays is continuing to steadily increase, as 2014’s numbers also showed a 13% increase on the year before.
This year, thousands of people ignored the Boxing Day sales and turkey sandwiches, with 5,402 people submitting their tax returns to HMRC, a stat that Ruth Owen, the department’s director general of personal tax, isn’t surprised by.
“As we all enjoy the festive season it’s easy to see how completing your tax return can be forgotten, but the 31 January deadline will be here quicker than we think,” said Owen.
“Our advice is don’t leave it until it’s too late. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and remember our online service is available with helpful advice and handy tips any time of the year, whether that’s on Christmas Day, or even New Year’s Eve,” continued the director general.
The deadline for sending 2014/15 tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2016. If you are completing your 2014-15 self-assessment return online for the first time, you will need to register for SA Online. You can register here.