Self Assessment tax returns

Essentials › Accounting › Self Assessment tax returns

Finance foundationsUnited Kingdom

The problem it solves

Many company directors must file a personal tax return because of dividends, rental income or other income that is not taxed at source. Leaving it until January means rushed figures, missed reliefs and an unexpected bill, often including the first payment on account for the following year.

What it covers

  • Preparing and filing the Self Assessment return
  • Reporting salary, dividends, interest, rental income and capital gains
  • Calculating payments on account, and whether they can be reduced
  • Reviewing the salary and dividend mix alongside the company accounts
  • Registering new taxpayers with HMRC

Who it is for

Company directors and shareholders, landlords, sole traders and anyone HMRC has asked to file a return.

Good to know in the UK

  • Online returns are due by 31 January after the tax year ends on 5 April, and any tax owed must be paid by the same date.
  • From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax requires sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 to keep digital records and send quarterly updates. Lower thresholds follow in later years.
  • A director’s salary and dividends do not count as qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

Questions to ask a provider

  • Will you coordinate with whoever prepares the company accounts?
  • Do you check for reliefs and allowances I might be missing?
  • Can you handle Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if it applies to me?

This is a plain-English summary for United Kingdom businesses. It is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and rules change: facts last checked 8 November 2026. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.