Who is Required to Submit a Tax Return?
A Self Assessment submission is typically mandatory for individuals who:
- Are self-employed or sole traders
- Are company directors
- Earn rental or foreign income
- Have income not taxed through PAYE (e.g., dividends, capital gains)
- Have a total taxable income of over £150,000
If HMRC has asked you to file, the deadlines apply every year, regardless of whether you have tax to pay or not.
Filing a Personal Tax Return as a Business Owner or Director
Company Directors
Company directors are required to file a personal Self Assessment tax return each year. This is separate from the company’s statutory accounts and corporation tax return.
Your personal return must include all income received during the tax year, such as:
- Salary paid through PAYE
- Dividends taken from the company
- Benefits in kind (for example, company car or other taxable benefits)
- Any additional personal income
Sole Traders and Partnerships
If you are self-employed as a sole trader or in a partnership, you must file a Self Assessment tax return each year declaring your business income and allowable expenses.
Most returns are now submitted online. Filing digitally is quicker, more secure, and makes it easier to meet the HMRC deadline.
It’s important to note that even if no tax is due, you are still legally required to submit your return if you are registered for Self Assessment.
Self Assessment Tax Year Dates in the UK
Unlike the standard calendar year, the UK fiscal year operates on its own schedule. The Self Assessment tax year dates run from:
- 6 April (start of tax year)
- 5 April (end of tax year)
All income earned during this period must be reported in the next Self Assessment tax return. For example, for the tax year running from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025, the deadline for the Self Assessment tax return will be 31 January 2026. If you’re unsure whether you need to file, you can check the official Self Assessment tax return guidance.
Self Assessment Filing Deadline and Payment Due Date (UK)
UK Self Assessment Deadlines Table
| Submission Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Register for Self Assessment | 5 October (following the end of the tax year) |
| Paper tax return | 31 October |
| Online tax return | 31 January |
| Tax payment due | 31 January |
Unsure which deadline applies to you? Let our team help you stay compliant and file on time with our UK tax outsourcing services.
What this means for you
- Most people file their return online: The HMRC online tax return deadline is 31 January.
- Payment is due the same day: The Self Assessment due date for paying your tax bill is also 31 January.
- Payments on Account: This includes any remaining tax owed from the previous year (known as a balancing payment) and the first advance payment towards your current year’s tax bill, if applicable.
The filing and payment deadlines are fixed each year and confirmed by HMRC.
Self-Employed Tax Return Deadline: Key Dates & Rules
Understanding the end of the tax year for self-employed professionals is vital for cash flow planning.
If you are self-employed:
- Your tax year still ends on 5 April.
- Your self-employed tax return deadline is 31 January following the end of that tax year.
- Penalties apply even if your tax bill is £0.
What Happens If You Miss the Self Assessment Deadline?
HMRC is strict with late submissions. Failing to submit your return by the cut-off date will result in:
- £100 automatic penalty: This applies immediately (even if you are one day late).
- Further penalties: Additional fines apply after 3, 6, and 12 months.
- Interest: Charged on any unpaid tax from 1 February.
For official details on late filing penalties and interest on late payments, refer to the latest HMRC guidance.
Accounts Filing Deadline vs Self Assessment Deadline
These are often confused, but are completely different:
- Self Assessment filing deadline: This is for your personal tax return (individuals/sole traders) filed with HMRC.
- Accounts filing deadline: This is for limited company statutory accounts filed with Companies House (usually 9 months after your financial year-end).
How to Avoid Missing Your Self Assessment Filing Deadline
Simple steps can help you stay compliant:
- Register early: The deadline to register is 5 October.
- File online: The date for Self Assessment paper returns (31 October) is months earlier than the online date.
- Organise records: Keep digital copies of invoices and bank statements.
- Don’t wait until January: You can file your return as soon as the tax year ends (after 5 April).
If you’re filing for the first time, you must register for Self Assessment before 5 October.
Why Filing Early is Financially Smart
Filing early doesn’t mean paying early.
Even if you submit your return in June, the Self Assessment due date for payment remains 31 January.
Benefits of early filing:
- Clear visibility of tax owed
- More time to plan cash flow
- Reduced risk of errors
- Avoid HMRC website congestion near the Self Assessment deadline
How Befree Helps with Self Assessment Tax Returns
Befree works with small businesses, company directors, and self-employed professionals to manage Self Assessment tax returns accurately and on time.
Our support reduces compliance risk, prevents penalties, and removes the stress of HMRC deadlines.
- Tracking Self Assessment deadlines so you never miss a date.
- Accurate tax calculations to ensure you only pay what you owe.
- HMRC-compliant filing directly to the portal.
- Support for self-employed professionals with complex income streams.
Need Help Meeting the Self Assessment Deadline?
Not sure about your Self Assessment deadline? Contact our team to help you file correctly and on time.