Get Self Assessment Tax Return Help in 2025/26

Do you need self assessment tax return help for the upcoming SATR season?

If you’re self-employed, a landlord, a company director or have income that isn’t taxed at source, your 2025/26 tax return is due online by 31^st January 2027. Most of the stress comes from not knowing where to start, or from getting halfway and hitting a problem.

This guide covers the key dates, what to gather before you begin, the places people most often get stuck, and when it makes sense to hand your return to an accountant. For help getting started today, our self assessment tax return service will be the place to start.

Key dates for your 2025/26 self assessment tax return

The 2025/26 tax year ran from 6^th April 2025 to 5^th April 2026, so to help with this next self assessment, here are the dates that matter:

• 5^th October 2026: deadline to register for Self Assessment if you’ve never filed before (this has now passed, see the section on registering below)
• 31^st October 2026: deadline for paper returns
• 30^th December 2026: file online by this date if you owe under £3,000 and want HMRC to collect it through your PAYE tax code, which you can check here
• 31^st January 2027: deadline to file your online return and pay any tax owed for 2025/26
• 31^st July 2027: second payment on account, if you pay in instalments

For penalties, payments on account and a full breakdown of what happens if you miss a date, read our self assessment deadlines guide.

What you need before you start your tax return

The easiest self assessment tax return help is preparation and looking ahead. By gathering everything you need first, you’ll turn a stressful evening into a manageable task.

Here are the essentials to have to hand when completing your tax return:

• Your reference numbers and credentials: This includes your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), National Insurance number and Government Gateway login
• Employment income: Your P60, or P45 if you changed jobs, plus details of any taxable benefits
• Self-employment: Any records of your income and expenses for 6^th April 2025 to 5^th April 2026
• Rental income: Rent received and the costs you’re claiming against it
• Savings and investments: Bank interest, dividend statements or vouchers
• Pensions: State or private pension income, and any pension or Gift Aid contributions
• Capital gains: Dates and amounts for any shares, property or other assets you sold
• Child Benefit: If you or your partner earns over £60,000, you may need to account for the High Income Child Benefit Charge

You don’t send these documents with your return, but HMRC can ask to see them later. Keep your records for at least five years after the 31^st January filing deadline if you’re self-employed.

Self assessment tax return help for the most common concerns

If you’re completing a self assessment tax return for the first time, or have questions around some common misunderstandings, read through the below section.

“I don’t have a UTR, or I missed the 5^th October registration deadline”

You need a UTR to sign in to the online service and file. If you’ve never completed a return before, register with HMRC as soon as you can. Your UTR and the activation code to access your online account are both sent by post, and each can take longer than 10 working days, so leaving it until January is risky.

Registering late doesn’t remove your obligation to file, so the sooner you start, the more breathing space you have before 31^st January.

“I can’t log in to my HMRC account”

Government Gateway and personal tax account problems are one of the most common reasons people stall. Our guide to accessing your HMRC personal tax account walks through setting up and recovering access.

“I don’t know which sections of the return to complete”

Every return starts with the main SA100 form. The online service then asks questions to work out which additional sections you need. As a guide:

If you’re a company director, your dividends and salary are reported on your personal return even though your company files separately.

“I’m not sure what I can claim on my self assessment tax return”

Under-claiming means paying more tax than you need to, while over-claiming can trigger an HMRC enquiry. If you work from home or travel for work, start with our guides on claiming home office expenses and HMRC mileage rates.

“I’m running out of time, or I’ve already missed a deadline”

Missing the deadline on 31^st January triggers an automatic penalty, and it grows the longer a return is outstanding. Filing late is still better than not filing at all, and an accountant can often turn a return around quickly if your records are ready.

Our self assessment deadlines guide explains how the penalties build up.

“I’m confused about payments on account”

Payments on account are advance payments towards next year’s bill, and they catch many first-time filers out because the January bill can include both. Our guide to payments on account and Making Tax Digital explains how they work and what has changed.

Is Making Tax Digital changing my 2025/26 return?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax began in April 2026 for the highest earners, those with qualifying self-employment or property income over £50,000, with lower thresholds phasing in later. That affects how you report from the 2026/27 tax year onwards.

Your 2025/26 return is still a standard Self Assessment return due by 31^st January 2027. If you think MTD applies to you, our Making Tax Digital explained guide covers the thresholds and what to prepare.

When is it worth getting help with your self assessment tax return?

You can complete a straightforward return yourself, however, it’s always worth speaking to an accountant if:

• You have more than one source of income, such as self-employment plus rental income or dividends
• This is your first self assessment tax return and you’re unsure what applies to you
• You’ve sold a property, shares or another asset and may owe Capital Gains Tax
• You’re a company director and not sure how salary and dividends are reported
• Your records are incomplete or disorganised
• You’ve missed a deadline or you’re close to one
• You’d rather spend your time running your business than learning HMRC’s system.

Getting self assessment tax return help also means having a second pair of eyes on what you’re claiming, which can reduce both errors and the risk of an enquiry.

Our team prepares and submits returns for sole traders, landlords, directors and individuals across the UK. See how our self assessment tax return service works, or contact us for a free consultation.

Self assessment tax return help: Frequently asked questions

Can HMRC help me fill in my tax return?

HMRC can answer general questions and help with using the online service, but it won’t prepare your return or advise on tax planning. For that you need an accountant.

Can I file my tax return early?

Yes. You can file as soon as the tax year has ended and your records are ready. Filing early doesn’t mean paying early, as any tax owed is still due by 31^st January.

How long does a self assessment tax return take?

That depends mostly on how organised your records are. A simple return with everything to hand is quick. A return with several income sources, or one where you’re hunting for paperwork, takes considerably longer.

What if I need self assessment tax help but haven’t registered with HMRC yet?

Register as soon as possible, because your UTR and activation code arrive by post. If you’re short on time, an accountant can guide you through registration and make sure you’re set up to file before 31^st January.

Do I need to file a return if I’ve already paid tax through PAYE?

Not always, but you might if you also have self-employment, rental or investment income, or other untaxed income. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking before the deadline rather than after.

Need help with your self assessment tax return?

If you’d like a qualified accountant to take the stress out of your 2025/26 return, get in touch with Tax Driven Accountants today. We’ll make sure it’s accurate, on time and claiming everything you’re entitled to.

Call us on 0800 999 1800 or send us an enquiry to get started, and for the latest quick news in the accountancy world, feel free to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

This guide is general information based on guidance at the time of writing. Last updated: 12^th October 2026.