Almost 300,000 people submitted self -evaluation tax statements in the first week of the new fiscal year: the highest number ever registered with the presentation opening door, according to HM and Customs income (HMRC).
The figures show that there were 299,419 returns between April 6 and 12, almost 10 months before the deadline of January 31, 2026, as more taxpayers choose to present themselves early to advance their financial responsibilities. The figure repeats an increase of 28,503 compared to the same period five years ago, when 270,916 people presented in the first week of fiscal year 2020.
More than 57,800 people presented their return on April 6, despite the day in falling on a Sunday of this year, suggestion growing awareness about the benefits of early presentation. HMRC says that the early presentation gives taxpayers more time to budget their tax bill, avoid fines and even receive reimbursements more quickly where the application.
The early presentation has practical advantages, partly for independent and owners of small businesses. Jade Milbourne, who with a dog cleaning hall, said that the early presentation has become a crucial part of the western routine.
“The early presentation means that I have a lot of time to pay my tax bill,” he said. “I leave money every month, and the flexibility that makes me get stress of the whole process.”
HMRC is interested in encouraging more taxpayers to do the same. Myrtle Lloyd, general director of HMRC for customer services, said that early presentation offers tranquility and helps people focus on their commercial or personal life without the imminent pressure of a tax deadline.
“Presenting your early self -assessment means that you can spend more on the growth of your business and doing the things you love, instead of worrying about your tax declaration,” he said.
The Fiscal Authority has updated its orientation on the early presentation and payment options in Gov.UK, including a budget payment plan function that allows customers to pay their bill in weekly or monthly installments through direct debit. For OED money, reimbursements can be issued as soon as the declaration is processed, and taxpayers can verify their status through the HMRC application.
Who needs to file?
HMRC is also stopping taxpayers to verify if they must submit a statement of self -assessment this year. People must present if they:
• They are freshly worked on behalf of £ 1,000
• Rent one or more properties
• Gain at £ 2,500 in income not exceeded
• Receive children’s benefit and win at £ 60,000
• Have savings or income from dividends in £ 10,000
• You need to pay the capital profits tax
• They are in a commercial association
A complete list of criteria and a verification tool is available on Gov.uk.
With the increase in the first files, HMRC has also issued a warning about phishing and fraud attempts. HMRC Criminals Getting overwhelmed through texts, calls and emails, especially periods of maximum duration. HMRC urges taxpayers to never share login credentials and verify any suspicious contact looking online “HMRC Phishing and Scams.”
As record numbers move to put their tax affairs in an early order, HMRC expects to take advantage of the impulse and reduce the January tax race. The message is clear: the early presentation is not only efficient: it could save time, stress and money.
Jamie Young
Jamie is a senior reporter of Business Matters, who brings more than a decade of experience in commercial reports of the United Kingdom. Jamie has a business administration title and participates regularly in conferences and industry workshops. When he does not inform about the last business development, Jamie is passionate about the mentoring of promising journalists and businessmen to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
