Questions and Answers
When is the tax return deadline?
I have heard that the deadline for submitting my self-assessment tax return to HMRC is the end of January. What should I do if I have not sent my tax return information to my accountant yet?
Last updated 26 Jan 2026 | First published 20 Sep 2024
By Helen Wood, CA 1 min read
Self-Assessment Tax Returns
The self-assessment tax return deadline for the 2024/25 tax year is 31st January 2026 if you complete your self-assessment tax return online. It was 31st October 2025 for those who complete paper tax returns.
If you have an accountant, you should speak to them to confirm which deadline you need to meet. Most people complete their tax returns online, so the 31st January deadline is the date most widely used. If you file a paper return, you can download the return and supplementary sections here but note you have now missed this deadline for the 2024/25 tax year.
It is important to get your tax return information to your accountant as soon as possible following the end of the tax year (5th April). This gives your accountant plenty of time to complete your tax return ahead of HMRC's filing deadline.
Ensuring the work is not rushed will mean there is more time for you to check through your tax return ahead of submission. You will also be able to budget for any tax that may be payable to HMRC by 31st January (and 31st July if you fall within the Payments on Account regime). If you are due a refund from HMRC you will also receive this earlier. Check out other benefits of filing your tax return early in our article.
Need help filing your self-assessment tax return?
At TaxAssist Accountants, we can help you complete your tax return and assist you with meeting your deadlines. We work with many self-employed individuals and business owners and we can help you too. If you need help with your self-assessment affairs, call us today on 01329 623103 or drop us a line using our online enquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
Last updated 26 Jan 2026 | First published 20 Sep 2024
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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