HRMC reports that following its launch last December, 850,000 customers chose to submit their 2014/15 self assessment return through the PTA service during January 2016.

In the longer term HMRC has said it expects that personal tax accounts will replace the requirement for annual self assessment returns, currently completed by over 10m taxpayers for the 2014/15 tax year. HMRC statistics from earlier this month have shown that 6.5 million people currently have a PTA and statistics to be released sometime next week indicate the number will be closer to seven million.

However, statistics released in September revealed that fewer than one in five (16%) of taxpayers had come onboard with PTAs which, while not compulsory, form  a major plank of HMRC’s five-year plan to create ‘a tax authority fit for the 21st century.’

In its latest campaign, HMRC emphasises the ability for an individual to store their personal tax details in ‘one convenient and secure online place’, saying this makes getting in touch with HMRC is faster, with access to services such as webchat and virtual assistant.

Ruth Owen, director general, customer services, HMRC said: ‘It’s not just the festive season that’s round the corner, so is the 31 January self assessment deadline, and it will be here faster than you think.

‘So why not get ahead and register for the personal tax account straight away? It only takes a couple of minutes and means submitting your tax return is efficient, effective and easy.’

Customers submitting their tax return online for the first time will need to register for an activation code, which will be posted to them, and can take a couple of days to arrive. They will also need their National Insurance number; either a recent payslip or P60 (a passport can be used if these are unavailable); and a phone to receive a security access code.

Help is available from the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/selfassessment or from the self assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.