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Independent guidance. Not affiliated with HMRC or GOV.UK.
Plain-English help with your UK Self Assessment tax return — the latest HMRC updates, what to do, what to avoid and when.
Every update linked to GOV.UK
Dated, not vague
Plain English, no jargon
Official GOV.UK and HMRC updates for Self Assessment filers, summarised and linked to their source.
Second payment on account due 31 July — MTD quarterly update due 7 August → read the payments on account guide
HMRC has published a collection of videos and webinars to help sole traders and landlords prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, covering.
Sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 must submit their first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly update by 7 August 2026.
HMRC has updated its guidance on commercial software suppliers that can be used to submit Self Assessment tax returns, supplementary pages and attachments.
HMRC has updated guidance on completing and submitting Self Assessment returns through Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax software.
HMRC has introduced new rules that defer Capital Gains Tax on certain cryptoasset transactions involving loans and liquidity pools until an economic disposal.
Straightforward guidance for three common Self Assessment situations.
You run your own business and pay tax on profits through Self Assessment — not via PAYE on a salary. Most self-employed people are sole traders — if you trade in your own name, read both cards.
You trade in your own name. Your business income and personal tax affairs are reported together on one Self Assessment return.
Your company is a separate legal entity. You may need a personal Self Assessment return for dividends, benefits, or other untaxed income.
Practical reminders to keep your return on track.
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference is on HMRC letters and your online account. You need it to file.
Sign in at GOV.UK to file online, view payments and check what HMRC thinks you owe.
Bank transfers can take a few days. Pay before 31 July and 31 January to avoid late-payment interest.
Photos and scans of receipts are fine if they are readable and you can find them later.
The second instalment for 2025–26 is due 31 July 2026. January and July payments often catch first-time filers out.
If you also have PAYE income, an incorrect code can mean you underpay or overpay during the year.
Want the detail? Browse the guides →
How UK VAT works for sole traders, self-employed people and limited companies — registration, rates, schemes and returns.
VAT is charged on most goods and services in the UK. Registered businesses collect it from customers, file returns with HMRC, and can reclaim VAT on business purchases.
Register when taxable turnover reaches £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period — or register voluntarily below the threshold.
Standard VAT is 20%. Flat rate, cash accounting, and annual accounting schemes can simplify reporting for smaller businesses.
All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit returns through HMRC-approved software.
How Corporation Tax works for UK limited companies — rates, HMRC and Companies House filing, and key deadlines.
Limited companies pay Corporation Tax on taxable profits. Directors must file annual accounts with Companies House and a Company Tax Return with HMRC — separate from personal Self Assessment.
The main Corporation Tax rate is 25%. Profits of £50,000 or less are taxed at 19%, with marginal relief between £50,000 and £250,000.
Pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. File your Company Tax Return within 12 months.
File annual accounts with Companies House within 9 months of your financial year end. Company Tax Returns must be filed electronically in iXBRL format.
The next Self Assessment deadlines.
Second payment on account
MTD quarterly update (6 April – 5 July)
Register for Self Assessment if you are new or not yet registered
Paper filing deadline
Online filing deadline if HMRC collects tax through your PAYE code
Online filing deadline, balancing payment and first payment on account
Independent guidance. Not affiliated with HMRC or GOV.UK.
HMRC Tax Info is independent guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMRC or GOV.UK. Always check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser for your own circumstances.