The self-assessment deadline might feel far away, but it always comes around faster than expected. Whether you’re newly self-employed, a freelancer, or earning income outside PAYE, now’s the time to get organised.
Here’s a simple guide to what you need to know and how to stay ahead of HMRC deadlines.
Key Self-Assessment Deadlines
- 31 October 2025: Deadline for paper tax returns
- 31 January 2026: Deadline for online submissions and payments
Missing these dates can lead to penalties, so it’s worth filing early especially if you’re waiting on information or potential tax refunds.
Who Needs to File
You’ll need to complete a self-assessment if, during the last tax year, you:
- Were self-employed and earned more than £1,000
- Were a company director or earned income not taxed through PAYE
- Received rental income or dividends
- Claimed child benefit while earning over £60,000
- Have foreign income or capital gains
If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking early HMRC can take time to process new registrations.
What You Can Claim as Expenses
Claiming the right expenses can make a real difference to your final bill. Common allowable expenses include:
- Office costs (software, subscriptions, stationery)
- Equipment and tools used for work
- Travel costs and mileage
- Marketing and professional fees
- Part of home utilities if you work from home
If an expense is “wholly and exclusively” for business use, it’s usually claimable.
A Smarter Way to Handle Self-Assessment
Using software such as Xero makes record-keeping far easier. Your transactions, receipts, and reports are all in one place meaning no year-end scramble.
At DASH, we help clients stay ahead of deadlines, understand what they can claim, and make self-assessment a smooth, predictable process.
Need help with your 2024/25 return? Let’s get it sorted early before the January rush.
