HMRC asks Self Assessment customers ‘What’s your filing style?’

With less than two months until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is asking people filing their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year ‘What’s your filing style?’ and encouraging them to start now.

HMRC is launching an online poll asking people to pick how they choose to file. Are they an early bird – filing within a few days of the new tax year, a dipper – someone who dips in and out throughout the year – or, a last minute panicker – rushing to submit their form in the last hours of 31 January? The poll will run on HMRC’s X, LinkedIn and Facebook channels for 7 days.

Last year more than 11.5 million taxpayers filed their 2023 to 2024 tax return by the 31 January deadline.

Millions of people have already filed their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, with 58,000 early birds returning theirs on 6 April 2025 – the first day they could. Customers can complete their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“For customers yet to file, there’s still time to start and submit an accurate tax return. Don’t leave something as important as your tax return to the last minute. Go to GOV.UK to start today.”

Those who start their tax return early can take their time to access the range of online help available to them. Once started they have time to dip back in as many times as they need to check it’s accurate before submitting.

Those who file their tax return early don’t need to pay their tax bill straight away but can consider the best way to settle it ahead of the deadline.

The quickest and easiest way to pay is via the free and secure HMRC app although a full list of alternative payment options are available on GOV.UK.

For customers who are unable to pay their tax bill in full, HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time To Pay. They can set up a plan online on GOV.UK. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.

If anyone is unsure if they need to fill in a tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, they can use the Self Assessment checker tool on GOV.UK where they can also register and notify HMRC if they no longer need to complete one.

Child Benefit claimants who would only file a tax return to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) can now opt out of Self Assessment and choose to pay it through their tax code via the new PAYE digital service.

Eligible customers can call HMRC to de-register from Self Assessment before the filing deadline. Where a tax return has already been sent, customers can choose to de-register from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through the new PAYE digital service.

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. More information can be found on GOV.UK.

Self Assessment customers are at increased risk of being targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Notes to Editors

1. Regional filing figures for 2023 to 2024 tax year

2. More information about Self Assessment.

3. People who have sold assets such as shares after 30 October 2024 need to be aware of changed rates of Capital Gains Tax for the disposal of assets when completing their Self Assessment tax return as it won’t automatically calculate the correct amount of Capital Gains Tax due. Instead, they may need to work out an adjustment to the tax automatically calculated using the adjustment calculator on GOV.UK.

4. Sole traders and landlords with a turnover above £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from 6 April 2026 and be required to submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC. HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now and sign up to Making Tax Digital as this is the best way to get ahead, giving you extra time to select software and familiarise yourself with the new service. Agents can also register their clients via GOV.UK.

5. HMRC wants to help you get your tax right. Lots of information and support is available which includes:

• HMRC's digital assistant- the assistant will help you find information, and if you can’t what you’re looking for you can ask to speak to an adviser.
• Guidance notes and help sheets and YouTube videos provide a wealth of information if you’re stuck or confused.
• Live webinars where you can ask questions or if you can’t join, you can watch recorded webinars on demand.
• HMRC app and Personal Tax Account - you can instantly find your Unique Taxpayer Reference, make a Self Assessment payment, get your National Insurance number and get your employment income and history for your tax return.
• Technical support for HMRC online services for help signing into online services
• Email updates - subscribe to HMRC email updates so you don’t miss out on the latest information on Self Assessment.
• Social media updates - follow HMRC Twitter @HMRCcustomers to get the latest updates on Self Assessment services and useful reminders.
• If you need extra support to help your with Self Assessment you can contact a voluntary or community sector organisation who can provide you with help and advice, or you can get support directly from HMRC.

6. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on X @HMRCpressoffice