Article
Do you need to complete a self-assessment tax return?
Several situations could require the completion of a self-assessment tax return, as they are not just for self-employed individuals. Employees, property owners and individuals who receive untaxed income may also need to file a tax return.
Last updated 11 Sep 2025 | First published 27 Sep 2021
By Helen Wood, CA 3 min read
Self-Assessment Tax Returns
If you receive a tax return notice from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), you must complete and submit it by the deadline. Failure to do so may result in penalties. However, if you think you do not need to complete a tax return, you can contact HMRC and request its withdrawal.
If this article has got you thinking that you may need to complete a tax return, but you haven't received notice from HMRC, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC.
HMRC can charge penalties if you miss the deadline for submitting a tax return. Knowing when you may need to file a tax return is important. We look at several common scenarios when you will need to complete a self-assessment tax return.
Do I need to complete a self-assessment tax return if I am self-employed and earning more than £1,000?
You must always submit a tax return to HMRC if you are self-employed or have self-employed, or have earnings of more than £1,000 from self-employment, freelance or a or side-hustle. This is because income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) have not been paid on these earnings. Your tax return will calculate the amount of tax and NIC you need to pay on these earnings.
Do I need to complete a self-assessment tax return if I am a partner in a business partnership?
If you are a partner in a business partnership you must complete a tax return to report your partnership earnings.
Think you need to prepare a tax return?
Contact TaxAssist Accountants for a free, no-obligation consultation to get a fixed fee quote
Or contact usDo I need to complete a self-assessment tax return if I need to pay Capital Gains Tax?
If you have Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to pay, you may need to complete a self-assessment tax return.
If you have disposed of an asset such as a second property or shares and made a gain, you may need to pay CGT.
Landlords should bear in mind that CGT is due on the disposal of a UK residential property, the deadline for reporting the gain to HMRC and paying the tax is 60 days from the date of completion of the sale. To report the gain, you must add a Capital Gains Tax on UK property account to your HMRC online account. You must include the capital gain on your self-assessment tax return as well.
CGT is a complex tax with many reporting and payment deadlines, as well as potential reliefs that could lead to sizeable savings. It’s therefore important that you seek professional advice.
Do I need to complete a self-assessment tax return if I have taxable earnings over £150,000?
You no longer have to complete a self-assessment tax return just because you have taxable earnings over £150,000.
In previous tax years, if your total taxable earnings were more than £150,000 2023/24) or £100,000 (for earlier tax years then you were required to complete a tax return. However, the government has scrapped this requirement from 2024/25.
Do I need to complete a tax return if I am a higher earner in receipt of child benefit?
If your income is more than £60,000 and either you or your partner receives Child Benefit, HMRC will require you to complete a tax return to pay a tax charge, known as the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’.
Landlords with rental income
Most landlords who receive rental income will need to complete a return.
Untaxed income
You may also need to submit a self-assessment tax return to HMRC if you have untaxed income, such as:
- money from renting out a property
- tips and commission
- income from savings, investments and dividends
- foreign income
If your earnings from the above sources fall below certain limits, you may not need to complete a return. However, the income may still be subject to tax. You should always check and if you are in doubt, HMRC provides an easy-to-use online tool to confirm if a return is needed or talk to an accountant
Need help filing your self-assessment tax return?
Contact TaxAssist Accountants for a free, no-obligation consultation to get a fixed fee quote
Or contact usFrequently Asked Questions
If you miss the deadline for your self-assessment tax return, it's important to speak to your accountant or HMRC as soon as possible. The sooner you rectify the issue and get the tax return filed and tax paid the better.
If you are late, you'll receive an automatic late filing penalty. You'll also be charged interest on late tax payments.
The deadline for completing a self-assessment tax return is 31st January, when completing this online. If you want to submit a paper tax return, the deadline is 31st October.
There are lots of benefits to getting ahead with your tax return, to find out more visit our self-assessment pages.
If you earn at least £1,000 of trading income you may need to file a tax return. This will depend on what other income you are receive. Speak to an accountant, or use HMRC’s online checker to help you determine if you need to file a tax return.
Self-employed individuals, partners in business partnerships and landlords may be required to file a tax return. Those in receipt of child benefit and earning over £60,000 and those earning more than £10,000 in savings and investment income will need to complete a tax return too. For a comprehensive list check HMRC’s content on who must send a tax return.
If you earn more than £150,000 you no longer need to complete a tax return for this reason alone. You may still have to submit a tax return, depending on your other income and circumstances though.
Last updated 11 Sep 2025 | First published 27 Sep 2021
This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.
Helen Wood, CA
Helen is a qualified chartered accountant (CA) and joined TaxAssist in 2025 following three years as a freelance content writer for clients in the tax and accounting publishing sector. Prior to this, She spent 17 years at Big Four and Top 10 accountancy firms. Helen writes clear and helpful articles on tax and accounting for businesses and individuals.
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