More than 40,000 taxpayers completed their self assessment returns over the Christmas break, according to figures from HMRC.

On Christmas Day 4,400 people filed their tax return online while almost 12,000 submitted their tax return on Boxing Day.

Christmas Eve was the busiest day for returns over the festive period with 23,731 filing their returns.

Then numbers were released by the tax authority as it continues to encourage taxpayers to prepare and file their tax return ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2025.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

‘People who need to file a self assessment return and already have can enjoy the rest of the festive period knowing they’ve got it wrapped up for another year … for those who haven’t started yet, our online service is available 365 days a year so there’s still a chance to get it done. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘self assessment’ to access the online help and start today.’

Internet link: HMRC press release

HMRC is reminding people who pay tax by self assessment of the opportunity to spread the cost of their bill with the Time to Pay facility.

More than 15,000 self assessment customers have already set up a Time to Pay payment plan for the 2023/24 tax year to help spread the cost, according to the tax authority. And there is still an opportunity to sign up for such an arrangement.

HMRC says it offers these payment plans to support taxpayers unable to pay their tax bill in full and looking to manage their tax payments over regular monthly instalments.

The online deadline to file a tax return for the 2023/24 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2025.

Taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax bill in full, owe less than £30,000 and are eligible, can quickly and easily apply online without the need to contact HMRC directly. Those that owe more than £30,000 are still able to apply but would need to contact HMRC.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

‘We’re here to help customers get their tax right and if you are worried about how to pay your self assessment bill, help and support is available.

‘Customers can set up their online payment plan to suit their own financial circumstances and can spread those payments across a maximum of 12 months. It is a valuable option for someone needing extra flexibility in meeting their tax obligations.’

Internet link: GOV.UK

HMRC is warning of scam attempts targeting self assessment taxpayers in the run up to the 31 January deadline.

Last year, concerned taxpayers reported nearly 150,000 scam referrals to HMRC.

Around half of all scam reports in the last year were fake tax rebate claims, says the tax authority.

There has been a 16.7% increase in all scam referrals to HMRC – 144,298 were received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 in the previous 12-month period, it added.

If communication claiming to be from HMRC asks for personal information or offers a tax rebate, check the advice on GOV.UK to help identify if it is scam activity.

HMRC says it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest or ask for personal or financial information over text message – only fraudsters and criminals will do that.

Kelly Paterson, Chief Security Officer at HMRC, said:

‘With millions of people filing their self assessment return before January’s deadline, we’re warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds.

‘Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams. And reporting anything suspicious helps us stop criminal activity and to protect you and others who could have received similar bogus communication.

‘Our advice remains unchanged. Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK.’

Internet link: GOV.UK HMRC

The government has published draft legislation to permanently cut business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from 2026.

The tax cut will be funded by a tax rise for the very largest business properties, such as online sales warehouses, the government added.

Until then, 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties will receive 40% relief off their business rates bills up to £110,000 per business to help smooth the transition to the new system.

This support is alongside the Budget announcement to freeze the small business multiplier, together with Small Business Rates Relief protecting over a million properties.

James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:

‘For too long the business rates system has been working against our high streets.

‘[This] is a major step towards our new system that will support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses on our high streets to succeed.

‘This Bill paves the way for a permanent cut to their tax rate, helping to level the playing field between them and online and out-of-town businesses.’

Internet link: GOV.UK

HMRC has warned landlords to disclose their earnings on self assessment tax returns.

The tax authority has clarified the guidance on who can participate in the Let Property Campaign, which is targeted at landlords who owe tax through letting out residential property in the UK or abroad.

Landlords can report previously undisclosed taxes on rental income to HMRC under the Let Property Campaign if they are an individual landlord renting out residential property.

The campaign covers landlords who rent out single or multiple properties, rent out a room in their main home that exceeds the Rent a Room Scheme threshold and holiday lettings.

It is also important to note that, for those living abroad or intending to live abroad for more than six months and renting out a property in the UK, those earnings may still be liable to UK taxes.

Tax must be paid on any profit made from renting out property. The profit is calculated based on the amount left once claims for expenses or allowances have been deducted.

HMRC warned:

‘If you’re a landlord and have undisclosed income, you must tell HMRC about any unpaid tax now. You’ll then have 90 days to work out and pay what you owe. If you do not do this now, and HMRC finds out later, you could get higher penalties or face criminal prosecution.’

Internet link: GOV.UK