Tax return deadline: 31 January 2027
Tax return? Maybe. Maybe not.
Got a side hustle? Let out a property? Working for yourself? Running a small business? Find out what HMRC needs from you, get your records organised, and decide what to do next, before the January rush.
Please note: this is general information, not tax advice.
Earning extra money doesn't automatically mean you need a tax return or owe more tax. Official guidance from HMRC and GOV.UK always comes first.
More free tools from MRS Bookkeeping
- Books Ready CheckWould your books be ready if someone asked for them tomorrow? Six short topics, results straight away.
- Business guidesStep-by-step: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, MTD for VAT, and sole trader, partnership or limited company?
- Ask MartinFree plain-English tax help sheets and local drop-in clinics.
What to do next, then next
Take the first step today.
Now: check whether you need a return
Use HMRC's free checker or our 2-minute tax return check. Not registered? Register free on GOV.UK.
No bookkeeper or accountant? Get one, but only if you need one
Many people can file for free themselves. If you do want help, ask now, while people still have time. 10 questions to ask · Do it yourself or get help?
This week: gather your records
Bank statements, income, receipts, cash. 10 things you can do yourself.
By 14 December: file it, or hand it over
Doing it yourself? File online. Got a bookkeeper or accountant? Send them your records now, while they have time. 14 December is our suggested target, not an HMRC deadline: it leaves time for questions before Christmas.
By 31 January: pay
Filing early doesn't mean paying early, but it tells you the bill in time to plan. Can't pay in full? Talk to HMRC before the deadline.
At least every quarter: look at your numbers
Not just for HMRC. Fifteen minutes on income, costs, cash and tax helps you decide what to do next. Here's how.
Free resources
Pick what you need.
Short pages, plain English, with links to the official guidance. Most people only need one or two.
About this page
Who's behind it, and our promise.
Tax Ready is a free public resource from Martin Schmalenbach of MRS Bookkeeping in Dolton, Devon. It's here to help people get it right, whether or not they ever use a bookkeeper.
Our transparency promiseWe provide useful, reliable information to help you make better financial decisions. Where we offer a commercial service or may benefit financially from a recommendation, we will tell you clearly. You are free to choose another provider.
General information, not adviceNothing here is tax, legal or financial advice for your situation. This page is not connected to HMRC. Official guidance from HMRC and GOV.UK always comes first. Rules shown are for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Scottish income tax rates differ.
Your privacyNo cookies, no tracking, no sign-up. The tax return check runs in your browser and nothing you choose is sent anywhere. Never type your UTR, National Insurance number or bank details into any checker.
Our own servicesMRS Bookkeeping offers paid bookkeeping and tax return services. It is supervised by HMRC for anti-money-laundering purposes, is a registered HMRC agent and is professional indemnity insured. Please check us in the same way as anyone else.