HMRC is urging other taxpayers to do the same and file their tax returns early. The taxman has seen a growing trend in early filers. In the past five tax years, the number of people choosing to file on the first day of the new tax year has almost trebled from 22,885 in 2017 to 63,521 in 2021.

HMRC has published information to help taxpayers file their returns early – how to do it, what the benefits are, and what they need to get started.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “There are many advantages to completing your self-assessment tax return sooner rather than later, not least that if you’re due tax refund you’ll get the money within a few days.

“Our new online guide helps answer many of the questions customers have about self-assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘file your tax return early’.”

The self-assessment guide will help taxpayers navigate through the tax return process. Taxpayers don’t need to wait to submit their self-assessment, they can file at a time that suits them and avoid any last-minute rush to meet the deadline on 31 January 2022.

The guide includes information on:

• how to get help with your tax return
• what to do when declaring furlough payments, Self-employed Income Support Scheme grants or other Covid-19 support measures
• what information you need before you can start your tax return
• help with paying your bill
• what to do if you have paid too much tax

HMRC has warned taxpayers to be aware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams. You should search ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK to get the correct link for your self-assessment tax return online securely and free of charge.

You should also be alert if someone calls, emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, asking for your bank or other personal details, threatening arrest or demanding a money transfer. It will most likely be a scam.