Overview
- HMRC, which published new figures Tuesday, said April 2026 saw a record 737,891 Self Assessment returns with 298,905 filed in the first week and 86,270 on Easter Monday.
- Officials say filing early helps people find out what they owe sooner, avoid January stress, and claim any refund once the return is processed using the HMRC app.
- HMRC is promoting budget payment plans that let taxpayers set up weekly or monthly direct debits to spread their Self Assessment bill across the year.
- From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with turnover above £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital, with the threshold due to drop to £30,000 in April 2027.
- Late filers face a £100 penalty from day one and overdue tax now accrues interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 4%, which the reports put at 8.25% at current rates.