Guides

Each guide cites GOV.UK and marks what we could not verify. Last checked 17 October 2026.

Self Assessment Deadlines 2026-27: Key Dates

Self Assessment deadlines for the 2025 to 2026 tax year: 31 October 2026 (paper), 30 December, 31 January 2027, 31 July 2027, and 5 October registration.

3 min read

Missed the 31 January Deadline? Penalties and Next Steps

Late Self Assessment penalties: £100, £10 a day up to £900, 5% or £300, and 5% of unpaid tax. GOV.UK calculator, appeals and next steps.

3 min read

Payments on Account Explained, With a GOV.UK Example

Payments on account are two half-payments towards next year's bill, due 31 January and 31 July. When they apply, the balancing payment, an example.

3 min read

How to Reduce Payments on Account: Online or SA303

Expect a lower tax bill? Ask HMRC to reduce payments on account online or with form SA303. What GOV.UK says and the interest risk if you guess low.

2 min read

Registered for Self Assessment After 5 October? Your Dates

If you register after 5 October 2026, HMRC sends a later filing deadline (3 months from its letter) but tax is still due 31 January 2027. Penalty risks.

2 min read

Do I Need to File a Self Assessment Return for 2025-26?

Who must send a Self Assessment return per GOV.UK: sole traders over £1,000, partners, Capital Gains Tax, Child Benefit Charge and more. Check tool.

3 min read

Pay Your Self Assessment Bill: App, Bank or Tax Code

Ways to pay HMRC: bank transfer, card, Direct Debit, the HMRC app, payment plans and the tax code route (under £3,000, file online by 30 December).

3 min read

MTD vs Self Assessment 2026-27: Who Is Affected?

How Making Tax Digital for Income Tax relates to Self Assessment: you still file for 2025-26, MTD from April 2026 above £50,000, April 2027 above £30,000.

3 min read

Can't Pay Your Self Assessment Bill? Payment Plan Options

GOV.UK says you may be able to pay a tax bill in instalments. What you need, online limits reported by HMRC and what to do first.

3 min read

Change a Self Assessment Return After Filing: 12-Month Rule

You can correct a filed return within 12 months of the deadline, online or on paper. After that you must write to HMRC. Dates for 2025-26 and refunds.

2 min read

£1,000 Trading Allowance: Side Income and Self Assessment

GOV.UK's £1,000 trading allowance: when you may not need to tell HMRC, when you must register for Self Assessment, and the records to keep.

3 min read

Lost Your UTR? Where to Find Your Self Assessment Number

A UTR is a 10-digit number you get after registering. GOV.UK says check your personal tax account, the HMRC app and old letters. Delivery times.

2 min read