Almost 300,000 self assessment taxpayers filed  their return in the first week of the new tax year, HMRC has revealed.
The early filers were almost 10 months ahead  of the 31 January 2025 deadline.
Almost 70,000 people filed their return on the  opening day of 6 April this year.
HMRC is encouraging people to file early and  avoid the stress of last-minute filing.
The tax authority says early filing can also  help with budgeting. A budget payment plan helps spread the cost of tax bills  with weekly or monthly payments.
In addition, refunds of overpaid tax will be  paid as soon as the return has been processed.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for  Customer Services, said:
'Filing  your self assessment early means people can spend more time growing their  business and doing the things they love, rather than worrying about their tax  return.
'You too  can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for  the 2023-24 tax year by searching 'self assessment' on GOV.UK and get started  today.'
Internet  link: HMRC press release