Majority of tax payers file self-assessment returns online

HMRC has revealed that 10.4 million tax returns have been handed in on time this year, an increase of 150,000 on last year, while over nine million have been handed in digitally.

As the tax authority continues its move towards digital services, 89% of taxpayers opted to use HMRC’s online self-assessment service to calculate and pay the tax they owe. Using technology the government department were able to intercept more than £96m worth of fraudulent or incorrect repayment claims.

Figures reveal that more than 385,000 people completed their return on the 31 January, beating the midnight cut off.

Ruth Owen, director general for personal tax at HMRC, said: “We all know it’s easy to put off completing your self-assessment tax return, which is why it’s fantastic to see more customers than ever before completing theirs on time this year.”

“Each year we’re dedicated to making the self-assessment process easier and more intuitive. Our biggest innovation this year was the launch of the online Personal Tax Account, with more than 825,000 customers accessing it as they completed their tax returns.

“Our new online tools proved just as popular with more than 328,967 customers taking part in webchats in the last two weeks of January, ensuring they were able to click submit before the 31 January deadline.”