Filing your UK tax return can feel confusing, especially if you’re self-employed, a landlord, a company director, or have multiple income streams. The good news is that the process becomes much easier when you break it down step by step.
If you need support at any point, King & Taylor can help you prepare, check, and submit your tax return correctly.
Step 1: Check If You Need to File a Tax Return
You may need to file a Self Assessment tax return if you:
- Are self-employed as a sole trader
- Earn income from renting out property
- Are a company director
- Have untaxed income
- Earn over the Child Benefit threshold
- Have income from dividends, investments, or overseas sources
- Need to pay Capital Gains Tax – Read our blog post for more information, Understanding Capital Gains Tax: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re unsure whether you need to file, it’s worth speaking to King & Taylor before the deadline.
Step 2: Register for Self Assessment
If this is your first time filing a tax return, you need to register with HMRC.
You’ll usually need to register by 5 October after the end of the tax year you need to report.
For example, for the 2025/26 tax year, which runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the registration deadline is 5 October 2026.
Once registered, HMRC will send you a Unique Taxpayer Reference, also known as a UTR. How to find your UTR – click here.
Step 3: Gather Your Information
Before starting your tax return, collect everything you need, including:
- Your UTR number
- National Insurance number
- Employment income, such as P60s and P45s
- Self-employed income
- Rental income
- Bank interest
- Dividend income
- Pension contributions
- Charitable donations
- Business expenses
- Records of any tax already paid
Good records make the process much easier and reduce the risk of mistakes. If you are looking for a free software that works well for self employed, you should look into FreeAgent, read our blog post here, The Ultimate Guide To FreeAgent: The Best Free Accounting Software For Small Businesses.
Step 4: Work Out Your Income
Next, calculate all income received during the tax year. Depending on the business, it can sometimes be hard to track your income and understand what is taxable. Tax For TikTok & Instagram Creators: What UK Content Creators Need To Know, another blog post I Got Paid In Crypto – Do I Have To Pay Tax?
This could include:
- Sales or freelance income
- Salary from employment
- Rental income
- Dividends
- Savings interest
- Pension income
- Foreign income
Make sure you only include income for the correct tax year. UK tax years run from 6 April to 5 April, not January to December.
Step 5: Claim Allowable Expenses
If you’re self-employed or a landlord, you may be able to claim expenses that reduce your taxable profit.
Common allowable expenses include:
- Office costs
- Phone and internet
- Accountancy fees
- Business travel
- Tools and equipment
- Marketing costs
- Insurance
- Software subscriptions
This is one of the areas where people often miss savings. King & Taylor can help check whether you’re claiming the right expenses without overclaiming.
Claiming Tax Relief On Work-From-Home Expenses: What You Need To Know For 2025
Step 6: Complete Your Tax Return Online
Most people file their tax return online through HMRC.
You’ll need to log in using your Government Gateway account and complete the sections that apply to your situation.
You may need to enter details for:
- Employment
- Self-employment
- Property income
- Dividends
- Capital gains
- Student loans
- Pension contributions
- Child Benefit charge
Take your time and check each section carefully before submitting.
Step 7: Review Your Tax Calculation
Once your return is completed, HMRC will show an estimated tax calculation.
This usually includes:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance
- Student loan repayments, if applicable
- Payments on account, if required
- Any tax already paid
Do not rush this stage. If the figure looks higher than expected, it may be worth getting it reviewed before submitting.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
The main Self Assessment deadline for online tax returns is 31 January after the end of the tax year.
For the 2025/26 tax year, the online filing deadline is 31 January 2027.
You must also usually pay any tax owed by the same date.
Missing the deadline can lead to penalties and interest, so it’s best not to leave it until the last minute.
Step 9: Pay Your Tax Bill
After submitting your return, HMRC will tell you how much to pay.
You can usually pay by:
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- Direct Debit
- Through your tax code, if eligible
- At your bank or building society, depending on the method available
Some people also need to make payments on account, which are advance payments towards the next tax year’s bill.
Step 10: Keep Records After Filing
Once your tax return is filed, keep your records safely.
HMRC can ask to see evidence after submission, so you should keep invoices, receipts, bank statements, mileage records, and expense details.
Self-employed people are usually expected to keep records for several years.
Need Help Filing Your Tax Return In Kent?
Filing your tax return yourself is possible, but mistakes can be costly. Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, or simply unsure what to include, King & Taylor can help make the process simpler.
For tax return help in Sittingbourne and across Kent, get in touch with King & Taylor today.
