When is the Self Assessment (Personal Tax) Returns Deadline?

1. When is the Self-assessment return deadline?

Self-assessment tax returns, which are utilized to determine your tax liability, are calculated based on income from the previous tax year rather than the calendar year. The tax year commences on 6 April and concludes on the following 5 April, with self-employed individuals required to file their tax return by the end of the subsequent January.

If you or your accountant are filing a paper tax return, the deadline is earlier – it must be submitted by the end of October. Additionally, your tax bill is also due by the end of the following January; however, keep in mind that you may have already made payments towards this bill if you pay your tax through payments on account.

HMRC imposes progressively higher penalties for those who do not submit their tax returns by the deadline. The penalties begin with a £100 fine from the very first day of lateness, making it crucial to file your return on time.

2. What should I include in my?

A Self-Assessment tax return (used by HM Revenue and Customs in the UK) is how you report your income and calculate any tax you owe for the tax year (6 April – 5 April).

What you need to include depends on your situation, but here’s a clear checklist:

1. Personal Details

• National Insurance number
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
• Address and contact details
• Employment details (if applicable)

2. Employment Income (PAYE)

If you’re employed:

• P60 (total pay and tax paid)
• P45 (if you left a job)
• P11D (benefits like company car or medical insurance)
• Any untaxed income

3. Self-Employment Income

If you're self-employed:

• Total business income
• Allowable business expenses
• Capital allowances (equipment, vehicles, etc.)
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions (if relevant)

4. Rental Income

• UK property rental income
• Overseas property income
• Mortgage interest (subject to current tax rules)
• Letting agent fees, maintenance, insurance, etc.

5. Investment & Savings Income

• Bank interest (even if tax was already deducted)
• Dividends from shares
• Income from trusts
• Foreign income
• Crypto gains (if applicable)

6. Capital Gains

If you sold:

• Shares
• Property (that isn’t your main home)
• Crypto assets
• Valuable personal items
• Include sale proceeds, costs, and dates.

7. Pension & State Benefits

• State Pension
• Private pensions
• Taxable benefits
• Tax credits (if relevant)

8. Student Loans & Child Benefit

• Student loan repayments
• High Income Child Benefit Charge (if income exceeds threshold)

9. Tax Reliefs & Deductions

• Pension contributions
• Gift Aid donations
• Marriage Allowance
• Blind Person’s Allowance
• Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) relief

10. Payments on Account

If you're self-employed, you may need to make advance payments toward next year’s tax bill.

Deadlines

• 31 October – Paper return
• 31 January – Online return + tax payment