HMRC is encouraging customers to begin their Self Assessment tax return well ahead of the 31 January deadline, warning that over one in four people experience anxiety when faced with a financial or tax deadline. The deadline for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027.
One in four taxpayers report deadline anxiety
HMRC surveyed 5,200 taxpayers and households, finding that 26 per cent of people said they experience anxiety when tax or financial deadlines approach. The tax authority, part of the Labour Party government, is pushing early preparation as a way to reduce that stress.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: "Self Assessment doesn’t need to be overwhelming, by starting early you have time to prepare properly and complete your tax return in manageable bitesize chunks, which is always better."
HMRC issues four practical tips for filers
To help taxpayers, HMRC has issued four tips: Prepare, Start, Take your time, and Budget. The guidance urges people to gather all records and personal income details before beginning, and to start, save, and return to the return as many times as needed.
HMRC adds: "Have all your records and personal income details to hand before you start. Start it, save it and go back to it as many times as you need. Taking breaks makes the process more manageable."
Accuracy and payment planning reduce surprises
An accurate return ensures taxpayers do not pay more tax than necessary, HMRC notes. The authority advises planning how to pay any tax owed, such as monthly instalments, to avoid a large one-off bill.
Lloyd added: "Whether you are gathering the information you need or have already made a start on your Self Assessment, there is plenty of help online. Go to GOV.UK to start today."
Checker tool and digital rules apply
To check if the deadline affects you, HMRC provides a Self Assessment checker tool. Importantly, those signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax still need to submit their Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2027.
