Record number of taxpayers file self assessment in April

15 May 2026

A record 737,891 taxpayers filed their 2025/26 self assessment returns in April, according to figures from HMRC.

The tax authority said that 86,270 taxpayers submitted their return on the first possible day, which was Easter Monday. That made 6 April, the first day of the new tax yar, the most popular date for filing.

In total, 298,905 people filed their 2025/26 self assessment tax return in the first week of the tax year.

HMRC says that people who file their tax return early and are owed a tax refund, can receive it sooner.

Anyone unsure whether they need to complete a tax return can use the checker tool on GOV.UK to find out. People new to self assessment must first register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when they complete and file their return.

Myrtle Lloyd, Chief Customer Officer at HMRC, 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.'