HMRC Urges 12 Million Taxpayers to File Returns Early
HM Revenue and Customs is urging 12 million taxpayers to submit their Self Assessment returns early to avoid the January 31, 2027, deadline rush.
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging approximately 12 million taxpayers to file their Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year early to avoid the January rush. The deadline for online submissions and payment is January 31, 2027, while paper returns must be submitted by October 31, 2026.
Filing early allows taxpayers to determine liabilities, plan budgets, and receive refunds faster while avoiding late penalties. Taxpayers with PAYE income can file online before December 30 to have tax collected via their tax code. Specific requirements for this period include Capital Gains Tax declarations for cryptoasset owners with gains exceeding £3,000 and the repayment of 2025 Winter Fuel Payments for those with incomes over £35,000. Additionally, around 300,000 customers paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge will find prepopulated details on their returns.
HMRC provides support through GOV.UK via a checker tool, digital assistant, and instructional videos. Alongside the filing push, the agency issued warnings regarding phishing scams, advising taxpayers to never share sign-in credentials or click unexpected links from criminals impersonating the agency to steal money or personal information.
