HMRC tells workers 'you can get tax refund sooner' in new Tuesday update

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers stole a march on the deadline by submitting their Self Assessment returns early last month, with 86,270 filing on the very first day — as Easter Monday proved the most popular date of all. More than 298,900 people filed between April 6 and 12 — the opening week of the tax year — according to HMRC figures released on Tuesday.

HMRC revealed that April as a whole set a new record, with almost 740,000 people submitting their returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year. Anyone uncertain as to whether they need to complete a tax return can use the checker tool on GOV.UK to find out, it added. Those new to Self Assessment must first register to obtain their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which will be required when completing and filing their return.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's chief customer officer, said: "For thousands of people, filing early and staying on top of their finances has become the norm. It takes the pressure off in January and means they can spend their time focusing on their business and doing things they love. Make a start on your tax return today by searching 'Self Assessment' on GOV.UK."

More than 12 million taxpayers are expected to submit a 2025 to 2026 tax return by January 31, 2027, HMRC confirmed. However, there is no need to wait, as HMRC is urging millions to get started and file ahead of schedule. Doing so means taxpayers will know what they owe sooner, allowing them to plan for any payments in advance and avoid the last-minute January rush.

HMRC has updated guidance on submitting tax returns early and assistance with paying tax bills on GOV.UK. Taxpayers can establish a budget payment plan to make either weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards their Self Assessment tax bill, spreading the cost across the year rather than having to pay the entire bill at once by the January 31 payment deadline.

In instances where tax has been overpaid, refunds can be claimed as soon as the return has been processed, HMRC said. People will be able to check whether they are due a refund in the HMRC app. It also allows people to take their time completing their return, ensuring all information submitted is accurate. This will lead to fewer errors and potential penalties, HMRC said.

Additionally, from April 6, 2026, sole traders and landlords with a turnover above £50,000 are required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax and submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC.

From April 2027, this will also apply to sole traders and landlords with a combined turnover exceeding £30,000. Agents can also register their clients via GOV.UK.

Those within scope of MTD will continue to submit an annual Self Assessment tax return and HMRC said it was encouraging customers to get ahead and file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year now. Fraudsters frequently pose as HMRC in a bid to steal money or personal details in another person's name. The public is urged to always pause and consider whether a request is legitimate before divulging personal information, never click on links in unsolicited messages, or share their HMRC sign-in credentials.

Verified HMRC contact details and guidance on identifying scams can be found on GOV.UK by searching for 'HMRC phishing and scams'.

A comprehensive range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK to assist people in completing and submitting their tax return.