Starting early reduces stress around Self Assessment deadlines
HM Revenue & Customs says starting a Self Assessment tax return well before the 31 January deadline can reduce last‑minute stress. The guidance comes as a survey finds more than a quarter of people feel anxious about financial deadlines. This explainer outlines what changed, who is affected, and practical steps to take now.
What happened
HMRC published guidance encouraging taxpayers to start their Self Assessment early. The aim is to help people organise their tax affairs in advance of the 31 January deadline for the 2025-26 tax year. The guidance references a survey showing that more than 26% of people experience anxiety when facing financial deadlines, suggesting early preparation can reduce pressure and the risk of forgetting or making mistakes.
Who is affected
The guidance targets individuals who must complete a Self Assessment tax return, which can include self-employed workers, those with additional income not taxed at source, and people with complex tax affairs. The message is relevant to anyone who might otherwise leave their return to the last minute and risk penalties or errors if information is incomplete.
Practical next steps
Start by gathering key documents: income details, subscription or business expenses, and any relevant receipts. Create or sign in to your HMRC online account, check which years you need to file, and note the 31 January deadline. If you expect to owe tax, consider making a payment on account to spread the cost. Use the HMRC checklist to avoid common omissions and review your figures for accuracy before submitting. If you’re unsure about what counts as allowable expenses or how to report certain income types, seek plain-language guidance or contact HMRC support before the deadline.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- gov.uk — evidence source reviewed for this article.
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