HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a regional campaign targeting Self Assessment taxpayers in the North West, as the 31 January deadline for the 2024 to 2025 tax year approaches. The initiative, which features an online poll through platforms such as X, LinkedIn, and Facebook, seeks to understand taxpayers' filing habits and encourages early action for greater accuracy and ease.
More than 11.5 million individuals submitted their tax returns on time for the previous cycle, with North West residents making up over one million of those early filers. As HMRC renews efforts to boost timely submissions, the campaign also highlights the importance of making use of digital services and accessing available guidance.
North West filing patterns
HMRC's new poll aims to identify common filing approaches among Self Assessment customers. Taxpayers are invited to describe themselves as 'early birds' who submit returns shortly after the tax year begins, 'dippers' who complete their returns gradually, or 'last-minute panickers' who file close to the deadline.
The poll, running for seven days on major social platforms, is designed to prompt individuals to reflect on and potentially improve their filing habits. According to HMRC figures, 1,008,962 Self Assessment customers in the North West filed their 2023-24 returns before the January deadline.
Nationally, more than 11.5 million people met the cut-off, reflecting a consistent emphasis on compliance and timely submissions across the United Kingdom.
Early filers and key figures
A significant number of taxpayers have already submitted their 2024-25 tax returns. Data from HMRC confirm that 58,000 individuals filed on 6 April 2025, the earliest possible date. This early engagement allows taxpayers sufficient time to check for errors and make use of support services available through GOV.UK.
HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, Myrtle Lloyd, commented, 'For customers yet to file, there's still time to start and submit an accurate tax return. Don't leave something as important as your tax return to the last minute. Go to GOV.UK to start today.' The message underlines the benefits of forward planning and the importance of submitting accurate returns.
Benefits of early filing
Early submission offers taxpayers the flexibility to review information carefully and access a range of digital guidance resources. Individuals may revisit their return multiple times to ensure accuracy, helping to reduce the risk of mistakes and potential penalties.
Another key advantage of filing ahead of the deadline is the ability to plan payment. Taxpayers who file early are not required to settle their bills immediately but can prepare in advance to meet the 31 January due date.
Payment options and support
HMRC highlights the free and secure HMRC app as the quickest way to make payments, though several other methods are available, as listed on GOV.UK. For those experiencing difficulty in paying the full tax bill, HMRC offers the Time To Pay facility, enabling customers to arrange affordable payment plans online or via the helpline.
Individuals uncertain about their requirement to complete a Self Assessment return can use the checker tool on GOV.UK. The platform also provides options for de-registering from Self Assessment should circumstances change, as well as guidance for those who no longer need to file.
Child Benefit and Self Assessment changes
Notably, Child Benefit claimants who previously completed Self Assessment solely to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) can now opt to pay through an updated PAYE digital service.
Eligible customers may contact HMRC to de-register before the filing deadline or deactivate from the following tax year if a return has already been sent. HMRC will amend their tax code to collect HICBC automatically under PAYE arrangements.
For the 2024-25 tax year, recipients of the 2025 Winter Fuel Payment (or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland) are advised not to include this benefit in their current tax return. These payments will be reconciled in the 2025-26 tax return, which is due by the end of January 2027.
Final Summary
With less than two months remaining until the Self Assessment deadline, HMRC is intensifying its efforts to support and inform taxpayers in the North West.
The campaign's focus on understanding filing habits is intended to improve accuracy and ease of compliance, encouraging earlier preparations. Clear explanations of changes to Child Benefit reporting and the management of government payments reflect HMRC's commitment to streamlining the process and reducing confusion.
This period also sees a renewed emphasis on digital support channels, payment flexibility, and personal security, highlighting the evolving landscape of UK tax compliance. For those looking to track obligations and important deadlines, the Pie app is a helpful tool for staying organized throughout the tax year.
