Phone: 01242 260066 | Email accountants@mitchells.org

Pensioners outnumber young people for filing self assessment tax returns

16 Jan 2023

HMRC has revealed that more pensioners filed a tax return for the 2020/21 tax year compared to young people.

Overall, those aged 65 and over accounted for 16% of individuals who submitted a tax return, whereas 16 to 24-year-olds made up 2.7% of total filers.

The new data is part of an analysis by HMRC into the demographic data of self assessment taxpayers. The largest group of self assessment filers were 45 to 54-year-olds, who accounted for 24% of all tax returns submitted.

Men accounted for 62% of those who submitted a return last year, compared to 38% who were women. The data also showed that almost 146,000 people submitted their tax return at the earliest opportunity between 6 and 11 April 2021.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Time is running out for anyone who has yet to start their tax return – there is a wide range of guidance and webinars available online for those who need a helping hand.'

Self assessment tax returns must be filed by 31 January. Those who fail to complete it, pay any tax owed or set up a payment plan risk having to pay a penalty.

We can help with any self assessment queries, so please contact us if you require assistance.

Try a site search Tax returns, budget, pension, rates and allowances...

Contact details

Office: 01242 260066

Company Registration No: 4161638
Company Registered in England and Wales.
Company details
Mitchell Glanville Limited
Registered Address: 41 Rodney Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1HX

Mitchell Glanville Limited regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales If, during the provision of professional services to you, you need advice on investments, we may have to refer you to someone who is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, as we are not. However, as we are licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, we may be able to provide certain investment services where these are complementary to or arise out of the professional services we are already providing to you.

© 2025 Mitchells Chartered Accountants. All rights reserved. We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.