HMRC has announced a strong turnout for the Self Assessment deadline
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced a strong turnout for the Self Assessment deadline, with more than 11.48 million taxpayers successfully filing their tax returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by the 31 January cutoff. The figures, released on 3 February 2026, highlight a high level of compliance amid the annual rush to meet obligations.
According to HMRC, 11.48 million people beat the deadline, with an impressive 97.25% of returns submitted online—underscoring the shift toward digital services. Of those, 475,722 taxpayers filed on the final day itself, including 27,456 who squeezed in during the last hour between 23:00 and 23:59. The busiest single hour was 17:00 to 17:59, when 32,982 returns were lodged.
HMRC handled significant demand on deadline day, managing 5,409 webchats and 10,483 phone calls, even extending helplines to operate on a Saturday to support last-minute filers. Overall, more than 12 million Self Assessment customers were expected to file, meaning around 1 million are estimated to have missed the deadline.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, praised the effort: “Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January. Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged. HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs.”
The announcement serves as both celebration and caution. Late filers face an immediate £100 fixed penalty—even if no tax is due or it has been paid on time. Further charges kick in after three months (£10 per day up to £900), with additional 5% penalties (or £300 minimum) at six and twelve months. Late payment incurs 5% charges at 30 days, six months, and twelve months, plus interest.
HMRC urges those who missed out to act quickly via GOV.UK, where online filing and payment remain the fastest options. The HMRC app offers convenient ways to settle bills, and “Time to Pay” arrangements are available for those unable to pay in full. Customers no longer required to file should notify HMRC to avoid future issues.
Looking ahead, the 2025 to 2026 tax year returns open from 6 April 2026, with the next deadline on 31 January 2027. Notably, any Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered through that return. HMRC also reminded eligible sole traders and landlords (with income over £50,000) to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, starting 6 April 2026, which requires quarterly digital summaries.
The high online filing rate and massive deadline-day surge reflect growing familiarity with digital tools, though the late rush and million-plus misses show Self Assessment remains a pressure point for many. HMRC encourages early preparation to ease future deadlines and avoid escalating costs.