8.6 million have already filed Self Assessment tax returns

With less than a week until the Self Assessment deadline, 8.6 million people have already filed their return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging taxpayers and agents who haven’t filed, to act now or risk missing the 31 January deadline – and face an automatic £100 penalty.

More than 11.5 million customers successfully filed by the deadline last year and HMRC wants to help the 3.3 million still outstanding this time around to do the same.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Don’t leave it until deadline day. Filing now will give you peace of mind that your tax return is completed and if you have tax to pay, you have a week to arrange payment.

“If you’re worried about paying your tax bill, you may be able to set up a payment plan online – search ‘difficulties paying HMRC’ on GOV.UK.”

This year’s deadline falls on a Saturday. Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC’s phone lines, which are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.

For anyone in Stockport in need of extra help with their Self Assessment return, Merseyway Innovation Centre has partnered with In Accountancy to run a tax themed coworking day at the space in Stockport town centre on 27th January 2026. The day includes:

• A focused co-working space to keep you accountable
• Qualified accountant from InAccountancy present, to answer simple questions. Please note they will not be able to complete returns for you or offer tax advice.
• Opportunity to meet other freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners