---
title: "Record 86,000 UK taxpayers file self-assessment on first day of new tax year"
canonical: https://smallgoodthings.org/stories/uk-self-assessment-record-early-filing-2026/
sourceName: "GOV.UK / HM Revenue & Customs"
sourceUrl: "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/298905-self-assessment-filers-quick-off-the-mark"
datePublished: 2026-05-12
---

# Record 86,000 UK taxpayers file self-assessment on first day of new tax year

HM Revenue & Customs confirmed 86,270 people filed their 2025-26 self-assessment tax return on 6 April 2026, the first day of the new tax year, contributing to a record 737,891 filings that month. GOV.UK reported the figures alongside new Making Tax Digital rules and noted resources like [PickMyAccountant's accountant comparison tool*](https://pickmyaccountant.co.uk/) that help self-employed workers prepare ahead of the 31 January 2027 deadline.

## What is the background?
The UK's self-assessment system covers roughly 12 million taxpayers each year, mainly the self-employed, landlords, and higher earners. **UK self-assessment 2026** filers have increasingly moved away from the January rush, filing months ahead of the 31 January deadline instead.

## What happened?
HMRC confirmed that 86,270 people filed their 2025-26 self-assessment return on 6 April 2026, Easter Monday and the first day of the new tax year. Across the full month, a record 737,891 returns were filed — the highest April total on record.

In the first week of the new tax year alone, 298,905 people filed their returns, according to HMRC's figures published 12 May 2026.

## How did it happen?
Filing early lets taxpayers who are owed a refund receive it sooner, and gives those who owe tax more time to budget for the 31 January 2027 payment deadline. HMRC's online portal and app allow self-assessment as soon as the new tax year opens on 6 April.

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."

The early-filing surge also comes as reporting rules tighten. From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with a turnover above £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, submitting quarterly summaries of income and expenses to HMRC rather than one annual return. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027.

## Why does it matter?
With more than 12 million people expected to file a 2025-26 return by 31 January 2027, and MTD adding new quarterly reporting duties for many self-employed workers, accurate, well-organised bookkeeping matters more than in previous years.

Self-employed workers weighing up whether to file themselves or use a professional often compare qualifications, fees, and MTD experience before choosing an accountant, since the right support can prevent errors that trigger penalties or delayed refunds.

## What were the key results?
- 86,270 self-assessment returns filed on 6 April 2026, the first day of the new tax year
- 298,905 returns filed in the first week of the 2026-27 tax year
- 737,891 returns filed in April 2026 overall — a record for the month
- More than 12 million taxpayers expected to file a 2025-26 return by 31 January 2027
- MTD for Income Tax now mandatory for sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000
- MTD threshold drops to £30,000 turnover from April 2027
- Figures published by HMRC via GOV.UK on 12 May 2026

## What happens next?
HMRC plans to continue promoting early filing ahead of the 31 January 2027 deadline to reduce last-minute demand on its helplines.

The Treasury will monitor how the £50,000 MTD threshold affects compliance before the £30,000 threshold takes effect in April 2027.

Accountancy bodies expect demand for MTD-ready bookkeeping support to grow among sole traders newly brought into quarterly reporting.

HMRC said it will publish updated filing statistics again after the 31 January 2027 deadline closes.

Primary source: [GOV.UK / HM Revenue & Customs](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/298905-self-assessment-filers-quick-off-the-mark)