The short version: A personal tax return (Self Assessment) is how you report income that isn’t taxed automatically. Freelance earnings, rental income, capital gains, dividends above your allowance. If HMRC doesn’t already know about it, you need to tell them.
Who needs to file one?
Self employed people earning above the trading allowance, landlords with rental income above the property allowance, people with capital gains to report, higher earners, company directors receiving dividends, and others with untaxed income.
When is it due?
The online deadline is 31st January following the end of the tax year. So for the 2024/25 tax year (ending 5th April 2025), your return is due by 31st January 2026.
What happens if you’re late?
Penalties start from day one. Miss the deadline and it’s an automatic £100 fine, even if you don’t owe any tax. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets.
Can you do it yourself?
Yes, through HMRC’s online service. But if your affairs are complicated, getting help can save stress and potentially money.
Tax return coming up? Let us handle it for you.
