HMRC Self Assessment

Self Assessment is a system HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uses to collect Income Tax.

Tax is usually deducted automatically from wages, pensions and savings. People and businesses with other income must report it in a tax return.

If you need to send one, you fill it in after the end of the tax year (5 April) it applies to.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

How do I access my self assessment online?

Deadlines

Send your tax return by the deadline.

If you did not send an online return last year, allow extra time (up to 20 working days) as you’ll need to register first. There are different ways to register if you’re:

Filling in your return

You need to keep records (for example bank statements or receipts) so you can fill in your tax return correctly.

You can get help filling in your return.

Paying your bill

HMRC will calculate what you owe based on what you report.

Pay your Self Assessment bill by 31 January.

How much tax you pay will depend on the Income Tax band you’re in. There’s a different rate for Capital Gains Tax if you need to pay it, for example you sell shares or a second home.

How to get help

If you need help with Self Assessment, you can:

  • appoint someone to fill in and send your tax return, for example an accountant, friend or relative – you can find an accountant accredited in the UK
  • watch videos and join webinars
  • contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for general Self Assessment enquiries
  • get help with your online account

Help filling in your return

There’s introductory guidance on GOV.UK to:

  • Capital Gains Tax if you’ve sold certain things like property or shares
  • expenses if you’re an employee or self-employed
  • Child Benefit if your income’s over £50,000
  • tax on income from renting property
  • tax on savings interest
  • tax returns for business partnerships
  • tax on income from abroad – or on your UK income if you live abroad

Guidance notes and helpsheets

You can also read guidance in:

  • the notes for each section of the tax return, for example ‘UK property notes’ if you’re completing that section
  • HMRC’s Self Assessment helpsheets

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