HMRC has confirmed that the self-assessment deadline is “incoming”, warning that around 12 million people are expected to submit a tax return by 31 January 2027. In a Friday update, the Labour Party government’s tax arm spoke out as the deadline sits 100 days away. Filing early via GOV.UK allows customers to discover how much tax they owe before the deadline, budget accordingly, and receive refunds quicker if they have overpaid.
Deadline confirmed for 2025 to 2026 tax year
On October 23, HMRC said the Self Assessment tax return deadline for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027. The tax authority urged people to file their returns through GOV.UK and beat the January rush. Submitting early also helps customers avoid penalties, according to 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.” She 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.”
New filers and those leaving the system
People who are new to the system 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 the government website. Self Assessment customers can also ask a tax agent, friend or family member, or a voluntary organisation to help them, HMRC adds.
Making Tax Digital and PAYE customers
Those signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax still need to submit their tax return in their usual way and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2027. Taxpayers and customers with a PAYE income can file online before 30 December and have any tax owed collected via their tax code.
