There are 100 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return for the 2025/26 tax year. HMRC gave the reminder in a statement on 23 October 2026. The deadline for online returns and for paying the tax is 31 January 2027.
Paper returns must be filed earlier, by 31 October 2026. That is just days away. HMRC estimates that around 12 million people will file a return by the end of January.
An important rule for people who also have wages or a pension under PAYE: if you file online before 30 December, the tax you owe can be collected through your tax code, in instalments from your pay.
What is new this year? Around 300,000 people paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge through Self Assessment will see their Child Benefit details already filled in on the form. The 2025 Winter Fuel Payment will also be pre-filled where possible – it needs to be checked. People with income above £35,000 repay this payment through their return. Cryptocurrency gains above the £3,000 annual exemption are subject to Capital Gains Tax and must be declared.
HMRC also warns about fraudsters. Do not share your login details or click links in unexpected texts and emails “from HMRC”.
What it means for you
Self Assessment applies to, among others, the self-employed, company directors, landlords and people with income from abroad, for example from Poland. If you file early, you know how much you will pay and have time to set the money aside. If you have overpaid, you will get your refund sooner.
Our assessment
The deadline is fixed and HMRC will not move it. Every year thousands of people leave their return until the last days of January, when it is harder to find an accountant or reach HMRC. The sensible thing is to do it before Christmas – especially if you want to pay the tax through your wages.
What to do
- Check whether you need to file a return: the tool on GOV.UK.
- If you are filing for the first time, register first and get your UTR number – this takes a few days.
- Prepare your P60, bank statements, invoices and details of any income from Poland.
- File online before 30 December if you want to pay the tax through your tax code.
Source: HM Revenue & Customs, GOV.UK – Self Assessment deadline incoming – 100 days to go (23.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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