Millions of people file their tax returns before the due date in the UK. This tax year’s tax return deadline to file an online self-assessment is 31st October 2025. This is the main deadline, while there are other self-assessment deadline too, and we will take a look at them all.
Deadline for 2024-25 Self-Assessment Tax Returns
John purchased a house with an untaxed income. He made this purchase between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025. He is now self-employed. The deadline for him to file an online tax return was 31 October 2025.
In an unlikely scenario, if he misses his deadline, he will receive a fine. The longer he delays the owed tax payment, the finer he has to pay. So, it is critical to pay the tax return before the end of the deadline.
Income Earned Between April 2024 and April 2025
Martha is self-employed and struggling with financial difficulties. She will have to pay the tax on the income she earned during the tax year 2024-25. By rules, she is required to file the self-assessment tax returns and her tax bill before midnight on October 31st 2025.
The government of the UK may understand Martha’s exceptional situation. Also, there are so many other businesses that saw a difficult year. Martha with her difficult situation can defer full payment. She will get a new deadline of January 31st 2026. She can avail of this relief if she owes up to £30,000.
Martha will apply for the deferral using HMRC’s online time-to-pay service.
Other Self-Assessment Deadlines
Apart from the main deadline, there are other deadlines throughout the year. You have to consider them although they may not be directly related to you. But you have to look for the ones which apply to you. Here’s a brief look:
31 July is the second ‘payment on account’ instalment deadline. It comes into effect you have to pay more than £1,000 when you submit your tax return for the period.
5 October is another deadline for informing the tax body that you’re self-employed.
31 October is the deadline if you are not going with online tax returns and choose to file a paper return.
If you want to submit your tax through PAYE using your tax code, the deadline for you is 30th December.
Start Thinking About Tax Return
Even if you owe taxes in 2024/25, you should start thinking and preparing yourself as soon as you start earning some money with self-employment.
You have to keep your personal financial affairs separate from your business affairs. It is better if you open a bank account for this purpose. Use any tool like a spreadsheet or any app that helps you keep track of your earned income.
It will make things much simpler when you file your tax return. Though, it is ideal if you hire a professional accountant.