Festive self assessment filers sleigh Christmas Day quips HMRC

More than 4,600 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return on Christmas Day, HMRC has announced, while 37,435 people completed their return over the three-day festive period between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

HMRC says the data suggests that, for some, festive filing is becoming as much a tradition as watching the King’s Speech and, in a strained attempt at humour, shows people use self assessment as a way to avoid the washing up.

The festive filing breakdown shows:

• Christmas Eve (24 December): 22,350 tax returns filed, with peak filing time between 11:00 and 11:59 when 3,159 customers submitted their returns.
• Christmas Day (25 December): 4,606 tax returns filed, with the busiest hour between 13:00 and 13:59 when 359 returns were received.
• Boxing Day (26 December): 10,479 tax returns filed, - peaking between 15:00 and 15:59 with 946 submissions.

As expected, and with the gags behind it, HMRC also took the opportunity to encourage Self Assessment customers, who have not yet filed their tax return, to visit GOV.UK to start theirs today.

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.

Customers who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code. Filing early also means more time to explore payment options if needed."

What are your thoughts, serious or otherwise? Does this show many of us are cheery taxpayers who put tax before turkey? Or perhaps it reflects our utter contempt for the mindless rubbish on TV — or shattered relations with extended family? Or perhaps you think it's ace? Whatever, it's the weird time between Christmas and the New Year so have at it.