Making Tax Digital for the Self-Employed: The Complete 2026-27 Guide
In short: HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has applied since 6 April 2026 to UK sole traders and landlords with qualifying income (gross, before expenses) over £50,000: in 2026-27 they keep digital records, send four quarterly updates and file a final return by 31 January. The threshold falls to £30,000 from 6 April 2027 and £20,000 from 6 April 2028.
Read MoreUK Self Assessment Deadline: What You Need to Submit by January 31
The UK Self Assessment deadline falls on 31 January every year, and it applies to millions of self-employed individuals, freelancers, landlords, and higher-rate taxpayers across the country. If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2025/26 tax year, 31 January 2027 is your final date to both submit your return online and pay any tax you owe. Miss it, and you'll face automatic penalties, even if you owe nothing.
Read MoreUK Self Assessment Tax Return: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Self-Employed
In short: To file a UK Self Assessment return as a self-employed person, register with HMRC and get your UTR, set up a Government Gateway account, gather your income and expense records, complete the SA100 and SA103S or SA103F online, then submit and pay what you owe. For the 2025/26 tax year, the online filing and payment deadline is 31 January 2027.
Read MoreUK Self Assessment: Last-Minute Filing Guide Before January 31
In short: HMRC accepts online Self Assessment returns until midnight on 31 January. Gather your UTR, Government Gateway login, and income and expense records, then log in, answer the tailoring questions, complete each section, review, submit, save the confirmation and pay what you owe. If you can't pay in full, file anyway and set up a Time to Pay arrangement.
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