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A record of nearly 300,000 people filing their tax returns in the 1st week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

Self Assessment customers can submit their tax return for the:- 2024 to 2025 tax year between:- 6 April 2025, the 1st day of the new tax year, and the deadline, on:- 31 January 2026.

Thousands more people are choosing to file their tax returns during the 1st week of the new tax year, rinning from:- 6 April to 12 April, with an extra:- 28,503 people filing in 2025, compared to:- 270,916 people in:- 2020.

There were:- 57,815 early filers on the opening day, which was a Sunday, compared to:- 67,870 people who filed on:- Saturday 6 April 2024. HMRC is encouraging people to file early so they know what tax they owe sooner, plan for any payments in advance and can avoid the stress of leaving it until January.

Jade Milbourne, 34, runs a dog grooming salon with her business partner. They offer high quality dog grooming and teeth cleaning services for dogs ranging from Chihuahuas to German Shepherds. Jade has been running the business for 5 years and believes the way to stay on top of her tax return each year is to stay organised.

Jade said:- "Filing early means that I have plenty of time to pay my tax bill. I set aside money from my wage each month and pay it as soon as I can, but also have the flexibility and time to save up more money, if needed. I always find the more organised you are throughout the year, the less stressful it is to complete my tax return."

Anyone who thinks they may need to complete a tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year can use the checker tool on:- Gov.UK website to find out. New entrants to Self Assessment must register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:- "Filing your Self Assessment early means you can spend more time growing your business and doing the things you love, rather than worrying about your tax return. You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by searching ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK and get started today."

Filing early will help with financial budgeting and spread the cost of the tax bill over the year. Customers can set up a budget payment plan to make either weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards their Self Assessment tax bill.

In cases where tax has been overpaid, refunds can be claimed as soon as the return has been processed. Customers will be able to check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app. It also means people can take their time to complete their return, ensuring all the information submitted is accurate. This will result in fewer mistakes and potential penalties.

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on:- Gov.UK.

People may need to complete a tax return for the:- 2024 to 2025 tax year, and pay any tax owed if they:-

Are newly self employed with a total income over £1,000.
Are self employed and earn below:- £1,000 and wish to have:- Class 2 National Insurance contributions treated as paid.
Have received any untaxed income over:- £2,500.
Are renting out 1 or more properties.
Claim Child Benefit and they or their partner has an income above:- £60,000.
Are a partner in a business partnership.
Have taxable income earned from savings and investments of more than:- £10,000 have dividend income of more than:- £10,000.
Have Capital Gains Tax to pay on assets that were sold for a profit above the Capital Gains threshold A full list of who needs to complete a tax return is available on:- GoV.UK.

Criminals use emails, phone calls, and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing personal or financial details, people should search:- ‘HMRC phishing and scams’ on:- GoV.UK to check whether the sender or caller is genuine.

Customers should never share their HMRC sign in details. Someone could use them to steal from them, or claim benefits or a refund in their name.