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Self Assessment tax returns

Early Self Assessment Filing (Plan Your Tax Bill)

Early Self Assessment filing gives you a clear view of your tax position well before the 31 January deadline. By completing your return sooner, you can understand what you owe, plan for payments on account, and avoid last-minute stress or rushed decisions.

More information

What early Self Assessment filing covers

Filing early is not just about submitting the return. It is about getting certainty and time to act. The service typically includes:

  • A checklist of the records needed for your personal tax return
  • Review of income sources (self-employed, employment, dividends, rental income and more)
  • Review of allowable expenses and reliefs to ensure you claim what you are entitled to
  • Calculation of your tax liability and payments on account
  • A clear summary of what to pay and when
  • Submission to HMRC once you approve the final return

Who this is most useful for

This service suits sole traders, freelancers, contractors and company directors who want to stay in control of cash flow. It is especially useful if:

  • Your income varies and you want a realistic tax figure early
  • You are likely to face payments on account and want to plan ahead
  • You want time to correct records, chase missing documents or tidy up expenses
  • You would rather avoid the January rush and reduce the risk of errors

How the service is delivered

You will be guided through a structured, digital-first process. You provide your records and answers to a small set of questions, then your return is prepared and checked.

You receive a draft summary to review, with any queries highlighted early. Once everything is confirmed, the return is filed with HMRC and you receive your final tax calculation and payment timeline.

What happens after your return is filed

After filing, you will know your tax deadlines and can plan funding the bill. If payments on account look high, you can discuss whether reducing them is appropriate based on your expected income.

If you want ongoing support, you can also put a simple system in place to keep records up to date so next year’s return is quicker and less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I file my Self Assessment return?
As soon as the tax year ends on 5 April, you can file for that year. If your records are ready, there is no need to wait until January.
Will filing early change when I have to pay HMRC?
No. The main payment deadline is still 31 January (and 31 July for the second payment on account where applicable). Filing early simply gives you more time to plan and set money aside.
What information do you need to prepare the return?
You will usually need your income details and supporting records for expenses, plus any relevant documents for dividends, interest, rental income or pensions. You will be given a clear checklist so you only share what applies to you.
Can you help me reduce my tax bill?
You cannot avoid tax that is properly due, but you can often reduce overpayment by claiming the right expenses and reliefs. Early filing also gives time to plan ahead, rather than trying to fix things at the deadline.
What if my bookkeeping is not up to date or I am missing documents?
You can still start early. Any gaps are flagged quickly, giving you time to find documents, correct records, and get a more accurate tax figure before the deadline pressure hits.

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