Midnight, Mince Pies & Tax Returns: The Great Self Assessment Dash of 2025

Millions are still racing the clock to file their Self Assessment before 31 January. From New Year’s Eve heroes to last-minute panickers, here’s what’s happening — plus a few survival tips (and how we can file it for you) if you would like to start your year off stress free!

HMRCSELF-ASSESSMENTDEADLINETAX TIPS2026

The Tax Faculty

1/5/20263 min read

There are two types of people in the world:

those who start their Self Assessment early…

and those who believe January builds character.

With under four weeks to go until the 31 January deadline, HMRC says 5.65 million taxpayers are still staring at their 2024–25 Self Assessment return thinking, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Meanwhile, 6.36 million have already filed — and some of them deserve a small round of applause (or at least a strong cup of tea).

While most of us in the office prioritised an early morning viewing of the Stranger Things finale, some people had other things to tick off their 'to do; list.

In a plot twist nobody saw coming, thousands welcomed 2026 not with fireworks, but with tax calculations. Over 54,000 people rang in the New Year by filing their return on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Pretty impressive!

Even more impressively, 342 brave souls submitted their return in the final hour before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Imagine singing Auld Lang Syne knowing your tax affairs are in order. That’s confidence.

HMRC reports the most popular filing time over those two days was a surprisingly sensible 11:00–11:59am, proving once again that tax doesn’t always have to ruin the evening.

For everyone else still waiting… a gentle reminder: miss the deadline and you’re instantly £100 poorer, with penalties rising faster than January gym memberships quietly expiring.

A few last-minute survival tips

Don’t wait for “perfect” information — estimates can often be corrected later

Have your login details ready before emotions run high

Check bank interest and side income (HMRC definitely will)

And if January is already bursting with deadlines, meetings and general life admin — we can file your Self Assessment for you. No late nights. No panic. No refreshing the HMRC site at 11:58pm.

Sometimes the smartest tax decision is knowing when to hand it over.

#SelfAssessment #TaxDeadline #JanuaryRush #TaxFaculty #AccountantsLife #LeaveItToTheExperts

Britain’s Annual Self Assessment Ritual

Capital Gains Tax Expertise: The Tax Faculty LLP Managing Partner Charles Tateson Named UK Capital Gains Tax Advisor of the Year 2023

The Finance Monthly Taxation Awards recognises the achievements of tax professionals from around the globe.

Winning such an award is no small feat. It is a reflection of hard work, extensive knowledge, and an ability to navigate the intricacies of the UK tax system.

Read more about Charles and the award here.

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