HMRC reveals LUNCHTIME was the busiest time to ship a self evaluation on Christmas Day

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HMRC has revealed the busiest time to file a tax return on Christmas Day was between 1pm and 2pm, with the taxman receiving 359 returns over this period.

Some 4,600 people chose the big day itself to file their return, finding the time between watching the King’s speech and playing charades.

In all, HMRC says 37,435 taxpayers filed their self assessment over the three-day festive period from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

With the Christmas period involving eating, drinking and dashing around to see family for many Britons, filing a tax return is perhaps becoming a Christmas tradition for others.

If you need to file and haven’t yet, you have 23 days to do so

HMRC is encouraging those yet to file to make sure they don’t leave it until the last minute.

The deadline to file your return and pay your tax bill each year is 31 January. This applies to people who earn income outside of the PAYE system, for example self-employed sole traders and buy-to-let landlords.

For most people, the process should be fairly straightforward. But those with more complex circumstances could save time by using a service that completes and files their tax returns for them. 

Taxfix is currently running an offer for new customers that brings the cost of preparing and filing a return to £119.

> Sort your tax return with Taxfix*

Christmas Eve was the most popular day to file

Of the three bank holidays over Christmas, 24 December was the most popular day to file.

The most popular time to file on Christmas Day itself was lunchtime. Here’s HMRC’s full festive filing breakdown:

• Christmas Eve: 22,350 tax returns filed, with peak filing time between 11am and 12pm when 3,159 customers submitted their returns.
• Christmas Day: 4,606 tax returns filed, with the busiest hour between 1pm and 2pm when 359 returns were received.
• Boxing Day: 10,479 tax returns filed, peaking between 3pm and 4pm with 946 submissions.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: ‘Millions of customers have already completed their tax returns and can start 2026 with one less thing to worry about.

‘For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute. 

‘Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment. 

‘Search ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK to get started.’

Do you need help with your tax return?

Our full guide to completing your self assessment runs through how to check whether you need to file, the deadlines you need to meet, plus how to fill in the return itself.

> Read our guide to submitting your self assessment

Otherwise, you can use services such as Taxfix* or Crunch to have an accountant complete the return and file it for you.

But if you still want to file yourself, software such as GoSimpleTax* makes it easier to keep records and file.

And if you need more general help with your tax situation, you can find a local financial adviser using Unbiased*, a service that matches you with a professional that suits your situation.