What a record-breaking tax return rush it's been! HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is delighted to announce that 11.7 million customers submitted their tax returns on time, with 861,085 filing online literally on the last day possible (without penalties!).
Just imagine the accountants and tax advisers pulling an all-nighter to ensure their clients' returns were in by the finish line! And even more impressive, 68,462 tax returns were filed on the final day's peak hour, which was between 16:00 and 16:59!.
HMRC was expecting 12 million customers to file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year, so the 600,000 customers who missed the deadline should submit theirs as soon as possible to avoid any penalties.
The Self Assessment payment deadline was also 31 January. HMRC is urging those who haven't yet paid to do so as soon as they can, but if those who missed payments don't want to be in the same boat next season, they can set sail with a Budget Payment Plan, which lets them make regular weekly or monthly contributions towards their next tax bill.
Tax Return 2022 submission summary:
| Total Tax Returns Due | 12,060,872 | 100% |
|---|---|---|
| Received By January 31st | 11,733,465 | 97.3% |
| Expected By January 31st | 11,399,465 | 94.5% (of expected) |
| Missed Deadline | 600,000 (est) | 0.5% (est) |
| Online Tax Return Filings | 10,965,933 | 96.2% (of expected) |
| Paper Tax Return Filings | 384,296 | 3.4% (of expected) |