Your guide to Self Assessment Tax Returns
Whether you're self-employed, a landlord, or earning untaxed income, understanding your obligations is key to staying compliant with HMRC.
As the Self Assessment deadline approaches, it’s time to get organised and avoid unnecessary penalties. We're here to tell you everything you need to know.
Key Deadlines for the 2024/25 Tax Year
- 31 October 2025: Deadline if you're filing a paper tax return
- 30 December 2025: Deadline to file online if you want to pay your Self Assessment through your tax code
- 31 January 2026: Final deadline to file online
It's important you don't miss these deadlines as filing late results in late filing penalties.
The penalties are:
- An initial £100 penalty
- After 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
- After 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
- After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater
Who Needs to File?
You may need to file a self assessment tax return if, in the last tax year (6 April to 5 April), if you:
- Were self-employed as a ‘sole trader’ and earned more than £1,000 (before taking off anything you can claim tax relief on)
- Were a partner in a business partnership
- Had to pay Capital Gains Tax when you sold or ‘disposed of’ something that increased in value
- Had to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge and do not pay it through PAYE
You may also need to send a tax return if you have any untaxed income, such as:
- money from renting out a property
- tips and commission
- income from savings, investments and dividends
- foreign income
Filing Early Has Benefits
Filing early gives you more time to:
- Budget for payments.
- Choose the best payment method.
- Avoid the January rush.
Find out more on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns
Our team at A P Robinson is here to support you every step of the way—whether you need advice, assistance in organising your records, or a full preparation and filing service. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
October 2025
