12 May 2025Almost 300,000 people filed their tax return in the first week of the new tax year, setting a new record, HMRC has revealed. Self assessment taxpayers can submit their tax return for the 2024/25 tax year between 6 April 2025, the first day of the new tax year, and the deadline on 31 January 2026. This year 299,419 filed in the first week, up 28,503 compared to the 270,916 people who did so in 2020. There were 57,815 early filers on 6 April, which was lower than the 67,870 people who did so in 2024. HMRC is encouraging people to file early so they know what tax they owe sooner, plan for any payments in advance and can avoid the stress of leaving it until January. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Filing your self assessment early means you can spend more time growing your business and doing the things you love, rather than worrying about your tax return. 'You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2024/25 tax year by searching 'self assessment' on GOV.UK and get started today.'