How to check if you need to file a tax return 2025

This guide will explain what is Self Assessment and how to check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return to HMRC.

 

What is Self Assessment?

Self Assessment is way of paying income tax to HMRC. The idea of Self Assessment is that you are responsible for completing your tax return for the year and paying the correct amount of tax.

Tax is usually collected automatically from pensions and wages. People and businesses with other income, such as grants or self-employed, must report it on a tax return. If you need to send a Self Assessment tax return, it is your responsibility to tell HMRC how much tax you owe and you must send a return if HMRC asks you to.

A Self Assessment tax return must include all your taxable income, and any capital gains. You may also claim any tax allowances or reliefs you are entitled to. For this reason, it is important to keep records of bank statements and receipts to ensure your tax return is correct.

Once complete, you are required to send your Self Assessment to HMRC via post or online. This information is then used to calculate your lax liability and HMRC will determine what you owe based on the information in your tax return.

You must send your Self Assessment tax return by the deadline. You may be fined if not. The deadline for paper tax returns this year is 31 October 2025. The deadline for online tax returns is 31 January 2026.

There is also a deadline for paying the tax you owe. You must pay the tax you owe by midnight on 31 January 2025 as if this is late, you may be issued a penalty fine.

 

How much can you earn before paying tax per month?

It’s important that you understand how much you can earn before paying tax each month. For example, you will not pay Income Tax on the first £12,570 you earn during the tax year. This is called your personal allowance. After that, for amounts between £1,048.01 – £4,189 per month, you will pay 20% Income Tax.

For the current tax year (2024/2025):

If you believe you may need to file a tax return for the current tax year, you can use the HMRC online checker to determine your obligations.

You have until 11.59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 to send HMRC an online tax return for the 2023/2024 tax year, which ended on 5 April 2024. You should also be aware that the same deadline also applies to those who need to make payments towards their tax bill.

Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return

If you’re wondering ‘do I have to file a Self Assessment tax return?’, you can check by using the Gov.uk Self Assessment tool.

Simply answer the questions truthfully to see whether you need to send a Self Assessment tax return.

You will need to send a Self Assessment tax return if:

• You are self-employed
• You are a partner in a business
• You are a minister of religion
• You are a trustee of an estate

You may also need to complete a Self Assessment tax return if:

• You are a company director
• You have untaxed income

HMRC may request you complete a Self Assessment  for other reasons.

Alternatively, speak to your local accountant today to get expert advice about your end of year accounts.

 

Do you have to register every year for self-assessment?

If you have previously filed in a self-assessment tax return but have not done so for at least one tax year and now have a new source of income, you will need to re-register for self-assessment .

 

Can I view my tax return online in the UK?

 Yes, you can view your tax return online in the UK!  You can do this quickly and easily by following the below steps:

• Simply log into your Personal Tax Account
• Select Self-Assessment within the Self-Assessment tile
• Select the More details about your Self Assessment returns and payments

View your tax year overview by selecting the View Return

 

Why choose React Accountancy?

At React Accountancy, we provide practical and value for money accounting services to our clients. We provide our year end accounts service to both individuals and businesses.

We have years of experience in the industry and provide detailed reporting and analysis to ensure you’re paying the right amount of tax and VAT. Our aim is to ensure your annual reports are filed accurately and in an efficient manner.

We believe in providing a no jargon accounting service and have an open and honest relationship with our clients. Our accountants are dedicated to helping you make the most of your money.

From tradespeople to small businesses, and everything in between, we fully understand the complexities of accountancy and that’s why we offer a wide range of accounting service.

To find out more about how we can contribute to the scalability of your large business, get in touch with the expert team today.

We provide our services across Manchester, Stockport, London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Leicester, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Bradford, Coventry, Liverpool and Belfast.

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