How to Make Tax Returns Easier: Practical Self Assessment Tips
Reviewed by Neil AinsworthLast updated: January 29, 2026 10:26 am
Image credit: Tara Winstead @Pexels
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Making Tax Returns Less Stressful
Completing a tax return can feel daunting, particularly with the risk of penalties from HMRC for late filing, late payment or errors. A clear understanding of your obligations, combined with early preparation, can significantly reduce stress and help you avoid unnecessary charges.
Tax rules evolve over time, and recent years have seen frozen thresholds and reduced allowances. For 2025/26 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, key income tax bands remain unchanged, while the dividend allowance (£500) and Capital Gains Tax annual exempt amount (£3,000) stay relatively low. These factors can affect liabilities, making accuracy and planning more important than ever.
Starting early gives you time to gather information, correct mistakes and, where appropriate, seek professional support.
Who Needs to Submit a Self-Assessment Tax Return?
Not everyone is required to file a Self Assessment return. In general, you may need to submit one if you:
- Are self-employed (including as a sole trader) with trading income over £1,000
- Receive rental income
- Need to pay Capital Gains Tax1
- Have an untaxed income that cannot be collected through PAYE
- Are subject to specific charges, such as the High Income Child Benefit Charge
- You are a business partner or receive taxable foreign income
Since 2023/24, HMRC has generally not required a return solely for PAYE-only income up to £150,000, though other factors can still trigger a filing requirement. Rules can change, so always check HMRC guidance2 or seek professional advice if you are unsure.
If you become newly liable, you must register for Self Assessment3. For the 2026/27 tax year, the deadline to register is 5 October 2027.
Key Deadlines and Penalties to Understand
Meeting deadlines is essential. For 2026/27:
- Register for Self Assessment: By 5 October 2027
- Paper return deadline: 31 October 2027
- Online return and tax payment deadline: 31 January 2028
- Second payment on account (if applicable): 31 July 2028
Missing deadlines usually results in an immediate £100 penalty, with additional daily penalties after three months and further charges at six and twelve months. Late payment interest applies, alongside penalties at 30 days, six months and twelve months after the due date.
Setting reminders or working with a professional can help you stay compliant.
Preparing Early and Staying Organised
Early preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden of tax returns. Keeping records throughout the year avoids last-minute pressure and reduces the risk of errors.
Useful steps include:
- Maintaining a dedicated folder (digital or paper) for tax documents
- Updating records regularly rather than annually
- Using accounting or expense-tracking software where appropriate
This approach also makes it easier to identify allowable reliefs and deductions.
Gathering the Information You Need
Before starting your return, compile a full picture of your income and relevant deductions, which may include:
- Employment income (P60, P45, P11D where applicable)
- Self-employment or partnership income
- Rental income and expenses
- Savings interest and dividends
- Capital gains
- Pension contributions and Gift Aid donations
You’ll also need your National Insurance number and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
Only claim expenses that are allowable, typically those incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. Personal expenses, general education and private healthcare costs are not deductible.
Keeping Receipts and Records
Accurate records support your claims and protect you if HMRC requests evidence. As a guide:
- Keep employment records for at least 22 months after the end of the tax year
- Keep self-employment and property records for five years after the 31 January filing deadline
Allowable expenses may include professional fees, approved subscriptions, home-office costs (where eligible) and training to maintain existing skills.
Digital tools can simplify record-keeping by scanning receipts, categorising expenses and storing documents securely.
Understanding the Structure of Your Tax Return
The main return (SA100) covers income such as salary, pensions, interest and dividends. You only need to complete supplementary pages that apply to your situation, for example:
- SA103: self-employment income and expenses
- SA105: property incom
- SA108: capital gains
- SA200: short tax return (issued by HMRC in some cases)
Review each relevant section carefully and save progress as you go. Online returns can usually be amended for up to 12 months after the filing deadline.
How Tax Payments and Payments on Account Work
Your Self Assessment bill may include:
- A balancing payment for the previous tax year
- Payments on account towards the current yea
Payments on account usually apply if your previous bill exceeded £1,000 and less than 80% of your tax was collected at source. They are paid in two instalments, one by 31 January and one by 31 July, each typically half of the previous year’s Income Tax and Class 4 NIC.
If you expect your income to fall, you can ask HMRC to reduce payments on account, but underestimating can result in interest on any shortfall.
When Professional Support Can Help
You don’t have to manage tax returns alone. An accountant or tax adviser can prepare and submit your return, ensure compliance and help identify allowable reliefs. For self-employed or property income, accountancy fees are often deductible as business expenses.
A financial adviser, meanwhile, can help place tax decisions in a wider context, alongside pensions, investments and long-term planning, though they typically do not file returns themselves.
FinancialAdvisers.co.uk connects you with FCA-authorised and regulated financial advisers in your area who can support tax-efficient planning as part of your broader financial strategy, while working alongside accountants where appropriate.
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