Loyal readers of our page may recall that a couple of weeks ago we were talking about getting organised and reducing anxiety around filing taxes here in the UK. Well our friends at HMRC have gone a step further and provided us with some answers to the common questions that get raised with them – here is what they had to say.

How do I submit a Self Assessment tax return?

Use HMRC’s online service. You can start now, save your progress, and then finish it and submit it later. 

Why should I file my Self Assessment tax return early?

Filing early gives you peace of mind, helps you avoid the last-minute January rush, and may result in a faster tax refund if you’re owed money. It also provides certainty about how much tax you owe, allowing you to budget and plan ahead with confidence. It also removes the risk of any late filing penalty if you were to miss the filing deadline.

What are the main reasons people leave filing until the last minute?

Common reasons include busy schedules, lack of awareness about deadlines, disorganisation, procrastination, anxiety about the process, and not realising the benefits of filing early.

How can filing early help me with budgeting?

By completing and filing your return early, you will then know if you have any further tax to pay before the 31 January payment deadline for that tax year. Knowing this  early helps you budget for that payment and also any Payments on Account you may have to pay for the next tax year.  You may want to use HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan where you put a chosen amount of monies aside each week or month, as advance payments  towards your tax bill. This can prevent you having to make one larger payment in one go.

Are there benefits to filing before December if I have PAYE income?

Yes. If you file before 30 December, HMRC may be able to collect your tax automatically from your wages or pension via PAYE, making payment easier: Find out if you are eligible to pay this way.

Can I use digital services to manage my Self Assessment?

Yes, over 97% of taxpayers file online. The GOV.UK online service allows you to submit or amend returns, view account balances, claim refunds, and manage your details securely and conveniently.

What support does HMRC offer if I need help?

You can get help online with Self Assessment .There is a lot of help available online including helpsheets, videos and the digital assistant.

What if I no longer need to file a Self Assessment return?

You should notify HMRC as soon as possible, before the filing deadline on 31 January. If HMRC agree no return is needed for a tax year, they will tell you and will update your tax records accordingly, to prevent any late filing penalty being issued. for that year . Information on how to do this is available on GOV.UK

Does Making Tax Digital for Income Tax impact Self Assessment?

HMRC is introducing Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in phases from April 2026. If MTD applies to you , then you still need to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year. You can check if  Making Tax Digital applies to you and from what date, on GOV.UK. 

Can someone else file my return for me?

Yes, you can appoint somebody to deal with your tax affairs on your behalf such as relatives, friends, or accredited accountants. (Here at OPAAL we have a free checklist to help you start that conversation – find it here. Or you can email us at admin@opaal.org.uk)

Where can I find more information or help with filing?

Visit GOV.UK or watch HMRC YouTube videos for information.

AND IMPORTANTLY, if you prefer not to manage your tax affairs online, you can contact HMRC:

  • By phone on 0300 200 3310 (or +44 161 931 9070 from outside the UK), Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm,
  • OR write to: Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AS, United Kingdom