A Guide to Registering and Filing A Self-Assessment Personal Tax Return In the UK

Are you earning an income outside standard employment in the UK? Then you might need to register for the Self-Assessment Tax System in the UK.

Register for Self-Assessment UK Tax

Table of Contents hide
1 A Guide to Registering and Filing A Self-Assessment Personal Tax Return In the UK
2 How to Register for Self-Assessment Tax in the UK
3 Submitting Your Documents
4 Register for Your Self-Assessment UK Tax with 3E Accounting

Income outside standard employment is defined as freelancing, rental properties, self-employment, or other sources of income you may be getting. 3E Accounting is here to help you understand how to file your personal tax returns accurately to avoid penalties.

 

Do I Need to Register for Self-Assessment Tax In the UK?

If you meet any of the following conditions, you must register for Self-Assessment Tax in the UK:

  • You are self-employed or a sole trader.
  • You are a partner in a business partnership.
  • You earn rental income or receive income from savings, investments, or dividends that have not been taxed.
  • You have foreign income, or you need to claim certain tax reliefs.
  • Your annual income exceeds £100,000.

You may also need to register for this form of tax assessment if you have earned more than £1,000 from your side hustle in a tax year. If you have received Child Benefits or have a partner with an income of more than £50,000, you must register for self-assessment tax while residing in the UK.

 

How to Register for Self-Assessment Tax in the UK

Here are the steps you need to follow to register for your UK Tax self-assessment:

  • Deadlines – The deadlines for filing your taxes will depend on your circumstances. For instance, if you are self-employed, you need to register by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which you started your business.
  • Sign Up for A Government Gateway Account – You can do so on the HMRC website. If you already have an account, you can use your existing login details. This account is necessary for managing your tax returns online.
  • Registering Your Business – The next step if you are a self-employed or sole trader is to register for Self-Assessment and Class 2 National Insurance. If you are in a partnership, register the partnership separately and include details of each partner. For other types of income, you will need to specify the nature of your income during the registration process.
  • Get Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – Once the steps above have been completed, you will get a 10-digit UTR number by post from the HMRC. You will need this number for all future tax-related communications. You will also receive an activation code for your online account.
  • Get Your Account Activated – The activation code must be used within 28 days to activate your online Self-Assessment account.

You are now ready to file your self-assessment tax return in the UK. Gather your financial records, including income details, expenses, bank statements, and receipts. If you’re claiming expenses, ensure they are eligible business expenses. To file your documents, you must use your Government Gateway credentials to access your online Self-Assessment account. Fill in the required sections with accurate income and expense information. Be sure to include all sources of untaxed income and any applicable reliefs or allowances.

 

Submitting Your Documents

Submission of all documents must take place before the deadlines. Online submissions are due by 31 January following the end of the tax year. Paper returns must be filed by the 31 October deadline. Any late submissions can incur penalties.

After submitting your tax return, HMRC will calculate your tax liability. Make the payment by 31 January to avoid interest charges or late payment penalties. Late payment charges, including interest on outstanding tax and a fixed £100 penalty for late submission within three months. Additional daily penalties if filing is further delayed.

 

Register for Your Self-Assessment UK Tax with 3E Accounting

Avoid last-minute complications by registering well before the deadline. Always retain all relevant financial documents for at least five years and double-check for errors or omissions before submitting.

Registering for and filing a Self-Assessment tax return can be straightforward if you follow the proper steps and stay ahead of the deadlines. Should you need assistance, get in touch with the 3E Accounting team today.