If you are self-employed, a landlord, a company director taking dividends or you have other untaxed income, you will usually need to file a Self Assessment tax return. The deadlines are fixed every year, and HMRC charges penalties when they are missed.
The key dates
- 5 October: register for Self Assessment if you need to file for the first time
- 31 October: deadline for paper returns
- 31 January: deadline for online returns and for paying any tax owed, plus your first payment on account
- 31 July: your second payment on account
Payments on account
If your tax bill is over £1,000, HMRC usually asks for advance payments towards next year's bill, each worth half of this year's bill. This often surprises people in their second year of trading, so plan for it.
Late filing penalties
- £100 as soon as your return is late, even if you owe no tax
- After 3 months, £10 a day for up to 90 days
- After 6 months, a further 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is higher
- After 12 months, another 5% or £300
Interest is also charged on tax paid late, and late payment penalties can apply on top.
How we help
We send you a checklist, collect what we need early and file your return well before 31 January. You know exactly what you owe and when, with no last-minute rush.
Always check the latest dates and penalty rules on GOV.UK.