According to HM Revenue and Customs, a record 737,891 people submitted Self Assessment returns in April alone – with more than 86,000 filing on Easter Monday.

Accountants say many taxpayers are trying to avoid the annual “January scramble” that leaves millions stressed every year.

Record numbers of taxpayers are filing their Self Assessment returns early this year as HMRC urges millions not to leave everything until January.

New figures from HM Revenue and Customs show:

1. 298,905 people filed between 6 and 12 April
2. 86,270 submitted returns on Easter Monday alone
3. A record 737,891 filed during April 2026

More than 12 million taxpayers are expected to submit a return before the 31 January 2027 deadline.

HMRC says filing early can help people:

• Budget more effectively
• Avoid deadline stress
• Reduce mistakes
• Receive refunds sooner
• Avoid fines and interest charges

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, 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.”

Accountant says millions repeat the same January mistake

Accountant and host of @thepracticeownerspodcast Rachel Harris said many taxpayers fall into the same cycle every year by filing in January and then ignoring their finances for the next 12 months.

She said: “HMRC absolutely hate it when people do this, and so many of you do it.

“Once they file their tax return in January, they close the tab, don’t look at their numbers again, while simultaneously promising themselves they’ll do it differently next year.

“And I know it’s not because you’re lazy or bad with money. It’s because tax has become set up as a once-a-year scramble.”

Harris said upcoming Making Tax Digital changes are designed to break that cycle.

“Instead of one stressful moment, it’s about staying lightly connected to your finances throughout the year – little check-ins, clearer numbers, and no big January shock.”

Why filing early could save money

Many taxpayers only discover how much tax they owe after completing their return.

Experts say filing early gives households more time to:

1. Save gradually
2. Plan for payments
3. Avoid financial shocks in January

Taxpayers owed money back from HMRC may also receive refunds faster if they file early.

HMRC says people can check refunds directly through the HMRC app once returns are processed.

First-time filers warned not to wait

Anyone filing a tax return for the first time must:

1. Register with HMRC
2. Receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
3. Wait for separate online access codes

Experts warn the process can take weeks during busy periods.

HMRC fines are now more expensive

The warning comes after an estimated 1.1 million taxpayers missed the filing deadline last year.

Late filers automatically face:

• A £100 penalty, even if only one day late

Additional penalties include:

1. £10 daily fines after three months
2. A further 5% charge after six months
3. Another 5% penalty after 12 months

Late payment charges have also increased.

Since April 2025, HMRC interest rates are now:

• Bank of England base rate plus 4%

With the base rate currently at 4.25%, overdue tax bills can now attract interest of 8.25%.

Major HMRC tax changes have begun

HMRC is also preparing millions for upcoming Making Tax Digital changes.

From April 2026:

• Sole traders and landlords earning above £50,000 must submit quarterly digital updates

From April 2027:

• The threshold falls to £30,000

Taxpayers will still need to submit annual Self Assessment returns alongside quarterly reporting.

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HMRC scam warning

HMRC also warned taxpayers to watch out for scams during tax return season.

Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC using:

• Fake texts
• Emails
• Phone calls
• Refund messages

Officials warned people never to click unexpected link, share HMRC login details, or hand over personal information without verifying requests.

From May 29, beauty fans will be able to shop the cult-favourite makeup brand in 36 Boots stores across the UK and online, marking the first time P.Louise products have ever been available on the high street.

Founded by makeup artist and social media sensation Paige Louise Williams, P.Louise has become one of the UK’s biggest beauty success stories thanks to its bold aesthetic, sell-out launches and record-breaking TikTok Shop LIVE events.

And Boots isn’t holding back for the launch.

The retailer is rolling out a series of “first-ever” experiences, including a fully branded pink castle storefront at its Covent Garden location, immersive shop-in-shop spaces and even a sparkly P.Louise articulated lorry travelling across the UK.

In another first for Boots, Paige and the P.Louise team will personally train Boots Beauty Specialists ahead of launch day, giving staff insider knowledge on products, techniques and application tips.

The range launching at Boots includes more than 200 products across makeup and skincare, featuring fan favourites like Rumour Base, Cheek of It Liquid Blush and Spoilt for Choice Cream Bronzer.

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Boots will also stock six exclusive products created especially for the retailer, including the P.Louise x Boots Bad B*tch Crystal Energy Lip Duo, The Brow Balm and The Sky’s The Limit Drinking Cup.

For online shoppers, the full collection will be available on Boots.com, with selected products also available for rapid delivery through Uber Eats from 31 stores nationwide.

Speaking about the launch, Paige said she had previously turned down retail opportunities because she wanted something “bigger and better” for the P.Louise community.

She said: “Together with Boots we’ve been able to build something that feels nothing like traditional retail – with masterclasses and immersive shop-in-shop spaces.”

Customers can also sign up to a waitlist now for early access and the chance to win prizes, including the opportunity to meet Paige in person.

The launch marks another major move in Boots’ beauty expansion, with the retailer continuing to invest heavily in viral and trending beauty brands across the UK.

Supermarket bosses have not opened branches across the country due to a national issue with ‘electronic systems’, understood to be the tills.

Branches affected in Oxfordshire, which were due to open at 7am, include in Abingdon, Wallingford, Oxford and Wheatley.

“Every branch is affected”, a source at the supermarket said. “They have started to do some work to fix it, but we can’t guarantee when the shop will open.

“There has been a critical error with the systems that is being fixed as we speak.”

Waitrose has been approached for further comment.