Do you need to complete a self-assessment tax return?

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.  

Do 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 

 

Last updated: 31st October 2025