How to report employment income on self assessment

Man reviewing payslips and notes while completing his employment income section on a Self Assessment tax return.

When you’re employed in the UK, your employer normally deducts tax through PAYE. But if you have extra income or need to claim tax relief, you’ll have to declare your employment income on your Self Assessment tax return. Knowing how to file correctly avoids penalties and ensures you claim everything you’re entitled to.

At Tax2u, our Self Assessment Tax Return service helps you handle the process smoothly from start to finish.

Who needs to report employment income?

Even if tax is already taken through PAYE, you must file a Self Assessment return if:

  • You earn over £100,000.
  • You have more than one job or receive other taxable income alongside employment.
  • You want to claim tax reliefs (such as professional expenses or pension contributions).
  • You’re self-employed part-time as well as employed.

What details do you need?

When reporting employment income, you’ll need:

  • Your P60 or P45 (depending on whether you worked for the full tax year or left during it).
  • Your P11D, if you received any benefits in kind.
  • Details of any work-related expenses you want to claim back.

This information makes sure HMRC has the full picture of your income and tax already deducted.

Step-by-step: Reporting employment income

  1. Log in to your HMRC online account.
  2. Start a new Self Assessment return and choose the employment section.
  3. Enter your employer details (name, PAYE reference).
  4. Fill in income and tax paid figures from your P60 or P45.
  5. Add expenses or benefits from your P11D or receipts.
  6. Check totals carefully and submit before the 31 January deadline.

When you’re reporting your PAYE income, it’s also worth checking whether you need to include other sources like self-employed earnings. If this is your first time doing it, our Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your First Self Assessment walks you through the whole process from start to finish.

FAQs

  • I am self-employed part-time, do I need to file a return?
    Yes, you must file if you earn over £1,000 in self-employment, even if you already pay tax through your employer.
  • What information do I need to provide?
    Your P60 or P45, any P11D forms, and records of expenses or additional income.
  • How long will it take to file a return?
    For most people, once you have the documents ready, it takes less than an hour online.

For more questions related to tax returns, you can also check the Tax2u FAQs page.

Don’t wait until the deadline

Reporting employment income doesn’t need to be stressful. The earlier you prepare, the easier it is to gather your paperwork and claim any tax relief you’re owed.

Tax2u can guide you through each step, check your return, and make sure you’re compliant with HMRC rules.

Get started with our Self Assessment Tax Return service today.

Self-Assessment & Income Tax