HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging millions of Self Assessment customers to stop delaying their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year, with just 100 days remaining until the deadline. The tax authority expects approximately 12 million people to submit a return by January 31, 2027.
Benefits of filing early
HMRC said that filing tax returns early lets customers establish how much tax they owe ahead of the deadline, giving them more time to budget. Early filing also means refunds can be received more swiftly if tax has been overpaid, and helps people avoid penalties by not missing the deadline.
Customers can complete and submit their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 year via GOV.UK. Anyone unsure whether they need to complete Self Assessment can use the GOV.UK checker tool.
Official advice from HMRC
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."
Lloyd added: "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 a tax return
Those new to Self Assessment must first register to obtain their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which is required when completing and filing their return. Anyone needing to notify HMRC that they no longer need to submit a tax return can do so via GOV.UK.
HMRC offers support and guidance on GOV.UK, including help filling in sections of the tax return, videos explaining how to complete it, and HMRC's digital assistant, which answers common questions about Self Assessment. Customers can also ask a tax agent, friend, family member, or a voluntary organisation to help them.
Making Tax Digital and scam warnings
Those enrolled in Making Tax Digital for Income Tax are still required to submit their Self Assessment tax return in the usual manner and settle any tax owed by January 31, 2027. Self Assessment customers with a PAYE income can file online before December 30 and have any outstanding tax collected through 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'.
