Get ahead by filing your self-assessment tax return early

HMRC is encouraging all taxpayers to make their lives simpler by filing their self-assessment tax returns early. A record of nearly 300,000 people filed in the first week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline. The deadline to file for the 2024/25 tax year is 31 January 2026 but you don’t need to wait until then.

Millions decide to wait until closer to the deadline to file. HMRC has learned this is caused by being unaware of the deadline; disorganisation; fear of the process; misunderstanding of the benefits of filing early; ‘too busy’ and not prioritising tax; or putting it off.

File your self-assessment tax return early
As well as avoiding the stress of last-minute filing, there are other benefits to getting it done now:

• Pay via wages or pension: Filing a tax return before 30 December means HMRC can automatically collect tax owed from wages and pensions through the following tax year. Find out if you are eligible to pay this way.
• Get a tax refund sooner: You can find out sooner if you have overpaid and you’re owed money and will be refunded sooner.
• Know what is owed: Finding out how much is owed sooner gives you time to budget and plan your payments. HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan service means you can spread the cost of the next tax bill with regular weekly or monthly direct debit payments. For more information search ‘pay weekly or monthly’ on GOV.UK. Or watch the video on YouTube.
• Proof of income: Filing early provides proof of income which may be needed for a mortgage, loan or to claim benefits.

It’s quick and secure to file on GOV.UK, with more than 97% of taxpayers filing easily online: File your Self Assessment tax return online. Customer satisfaction for online filers is consistently around 80%.

There are lots of ways to self-service online including ‘resetting an online password’, ‘getting your tax code’, and ‘getting your National Insurance number.’ You can download the HMRC app – GOV.UK.

If you no longer need to send a self-assessment tax return, you should contact HMRC as soon as possible, as penalties may be incurred for failing to file on time. Find out more here: Stopping Self Assessment – YouTube

You can check whether you need to send HMRC a self-assessment tax return.