A record 9.45 million Self Assessment tax returns were filed on time this year, and a record 7.65 million (80.9 per cent of them were filed online, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revealed today.

This means that for the first time in seven years 90.4 per cent of taxpayers met the deadline – an increase of four per cent (700,000 returns) on last year. In fact, it’s the highest on-time filing result since HMRC was created.

Although the 31 January deadline was unchanged, HMRC announced that no penalties would be issued for online returns received by midnight on 2 February, due to industrial action at HMRC contact centres. This year’s record numbers show an increase from last year, when around 6.9 million people had filed online by 31 January. The proportion filing online last year was 78 per cent.

The busiest day for online returns was 31 January, when HMRC received nearly 445,000. The SA rush hour occurred between 4pm and 5pm on 31 January, when 37,460 returns – more than one every 6 seconds – were received by HMRC.

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“I’m delighted so many people filed their tax returns online this year. The record number proves that it’s quick, easy and secure to do.

“HMRC have always been clear that they want returns not penalties, so it is good news that over 90 per cent of all returns were submitted on time.

“I am also pleased that the extension to the filing deadline prevented people from being unfairly penalised if they were unable to speak to HMRC on the 31st.”

Many took advantage of the Christmas holidays to wrap up their returns this year, with 1,100 people filing online on Christmas Day; 3,512 on Boxing Day; 11,648 on New Year’s Eve; and 8,935 on New Year’s Day. In fact, 102 people put the New Year celebratory champagne on ice to file their return between 11pm and midnight on 31 December 2011.

The total number of returns submitted on time for both online and paper was 9.4 million – breaking 9 million for the first time. With changes to SA penalties this year, everyone who did not file on time will receive a £100 penalty, which increases through the year.

The filing deadline has now passed and anyone who hasn’t yet filed their 2010/11 tax return must send it to HMRC as soon as possible, as well as pay any outstanding tax due for the 2010/11 tax year. Help is available from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa or from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444.

03 February 2012