It is urging people to get ahead
With 100 days to go until the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging millions of Self Assessment customers to get ahead of the January rush and not put off completing their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year. It said that around 12 million people were expected to submit a tax return by January 31, 2027.
It added that submitting tax returns early meant customers could find out how much tax they owe before the deadline and give themselves more time to budget. It also means they can get a refund quicker if they have paid too much tax and avoid penalties by not missing the deadline.
HMRC 100-day alert
HMRC said customers could complete and file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 year on GOV.UK. If anyone is unsure about whether they need to complete Self Assessment, they can use the GOV.UK checker tool.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: “The Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away, so now is the ideal time to get ahead and file your tax return early.
“Guidance and support are available on GOV.UK to help you file your tax return. Just search ‘file my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to start yours today.”
How to complete an HMRC tax return
People who are new to Self Assessment must first register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when they complete and file their return. Anyone who needs to tell HMRC that they no longer need to submit a tax return can do so on GOV.UK.
HMRC said it offered a range of support and guidance available on GOV.UK. This includes help filling in the sections of your tax return, videos explaining how to complete your tax return and HMRC’s digital assistant, which can answer common questions about Self Assessment. Self Assessment customers can also ask a tax agent, friend or family member, or a voluntary organisation to help them.
Making Tax Digital
Those signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax still need to submit their Self Assessment tax return in their usual way and pay any taxed owed by January 31, 2027, HMRC said.
Self Assessment customers with a PAYE income can file online before December 30 and have any tax owed collected via their tax code.
HMRC added: “Criminals often impersonate HMRC to steal money or personal information in someone else’s name. People should always take time to stop and think if the request is genuine before sharing personal information, never click on links in unexpected messages or share their HMRC sign-in details.
“Genuine HMRC contact details and advice on spotting scams can be found on GOV.UK by searching for ‘HMRC phishing and scams’.”
