Almost 250,000 self-assessment customers filed their 2022/23 tax return during the first week of the tax year, HMRC has revealed.

The number of people choosing to file in the first week of the new tax year has increased by 100,000 customers since 2018.

The data also revealed that the most popular day to file a tax return during that week was 6 April. Self-assessment customers also enjoy a day of rest, with Sunday 9 April being the least popular day to file.

The increase in early filing means more customers are benefitting from filing their tax return for the 2022/23 tax year well ahead of the 31 January 2024 deadline.

Those who file early have more control over their financial affairs, as they can take advantage of finding out what they owe and budget for it. If they are owed money, they can get their refund much sooner.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's director general for customer services, said:

"Our figures show more and more customers are benefitting from filing early, which means they can relax knowing their tax return is complete, know what they owe and can budget."

If customers are unsure whether they need to complete a tax return, they can check by using the free online tool on GOV.UK.

Talk to us about your self-assessment return.