Personal Tax Returns
Personal Tax Returns
Overview
Why Do I Need to do a Personal Tax Return?
You may need to complete a personal tax return for several reasons, including:
• You were self-employed as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000.
• You were a partner in a business partnership.
• You earn money from renting out property.
• You have income from savings, investments, and dividends.
• You have foreign income.
• You want to claim income tax reliefs.
• You receive child benefit.
When Is the Deadline for Submitting My Personal Tax Return?
The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. You must submit your tax return electronically by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
For example:
• For the tax year 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024, the deadline for electronic submission is 31 January 2025.
• If submitting by paper, the deadline is 31 October 2024.
Self-Assessment
How Do I Register For Self-Assessment?
You need to complete a self-assessment tax return if, during the last tax year (6 April to 5 April), any of the following applied to you:
• You were self-employed as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000.
• You were a partner in a business partnership.
• You received more than £500 in dividends as a company shareholder.
• Your total taxable income was more than £150,000.
• You had to pay Capital Gains Tax on the sale or disposal of assets.
• You had to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge because you received Child Benefit and earned over £50,000.
• You earned income from renting out property.
• You received bank interest of more than £1,000.
• You received foreign income.
A self-assessment tax return assesses your personal tax liability, different from a corporation tax return, which relates to a company.
First, register for self-assessment so that HMRC expects your tax return. You can do this online at GOV.UK Self-Assessment Registration.