HMRC has warned taxpayers not to leave their tax return until the last minute, cautioning that those who delay risk running into 'stormy seas' ahead. In a social media post, the taxman urged people to ignore the temptation to put off the task, saying filing early can reduce stress and help households plan their finances.
Benefits of filing early
HMRC stated: 'Ignore the siren call of “I’ll do it tomorrow”. Filing your tax return early has plenty of benefits – from knowing what you owe so you can plan ahead for your payment, to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with getting it done.' The authority also reminded taxpayers that filing early does not mean paying early: 'If you owe tax, you still have until January 31, 2027, to pay. Avoid stormy seas next January. File your tax return today.'
Deadlines and refunds
Taxpayers can submit their 2025-26 Self Assessment return at any point after April 6, rather than waiting until the January 31, 2027, deadline. HMRC says filing early means people know what they owe sooner, can budget for the bill and have more time to correct any mistakes if needed. Those due a tax refund could also receive their money sooner by submitting early, while people wanting to pay any tax owed through their PAYE tax code generally need to file by December 30, 2026.
Who can use the service
The online service is available for people who are self-employed or anyone else required to complete a Self Assessment tax return, such as some landlords and those with other untaxed income. It can also be used to check previous returns, view how much tax is owed and print tax calculations. Taxpayers filing for the first time must register for Self Assessment before using the online service.
