Unsure if Self Assessment applies to you?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at Tax2u. Every year, many taxpayers assume they don’t need to file, only to receive a letter from HMRC later saying otherwise.
For the 2024-2025 tax year, Self Assessment applies to more people than just sole traders. Employees, contractors, landlords, and directors may also need to file. The aim of this guide is simple: help you understand where you stand and what to do next, calmly and early.
If you’re unsure, checking now is always easier than fixing things close to the deadline.
Self-employed or freelance? You almost certainly need to file
If you were self-employed or worked as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000 during the 2024–2025 tax year, HMRC requires a Self Assessment tax return.
This includes:
- Freelancers and consultants
- Side income or second jobs
- Online sellers and digital creators
- Anyone invoicing clients directly
You’ll need to report your income, claim allowable expenses, and calculate any tax due. If you’re newly self-employed, you’ll also need a UTR number, which must be registered for in advance.
CIS contractors still need to submit a tax return
If you work in construction under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), tax is usually deducted before you’re paid. However, this does not replace Self Assessment.
You still need to file if:
- You’re a CIS subcontractor
- Tax was deducted by contractors
- You want to claim a refund on overpaid tax
Many CIS workers are due refunds but miss out simply because they don’t submit a return.
👉 Tax2u helps CIS contractors prepare accurate returns and reclaim any tax they’re owed.
Employed but earning extra income? Self Assessment may apply
Even if you’re taxed through PAYE, you may still need to file a tax return if you:
- Earned over £100,000
- Had freelance or side income
- Paid the High Income Child Benefit Charge
- Claimed certain tax reliefs or expenses
- Received foreign income
If HMRC issues a notice to file, you must submit a return, even if you believe no tax is due.
Landlords and property owners usually need to file
If you received income from:
- UK rental property
- Letting out a room (above the Rent a Room threshold)
- Overseas property
then Self Assessment is required.
You’ll need to declare rental income and allowable expenses, following HMRC’s current property tax rules.
Company directors and other income sources
You’re likely required to file if you are:
- A company director
- Receiving dividends above the allowance
- Earning significant savings or investment income
- Buying, selling, or holding crypto assets
These areas are closely monitored by HMRC, and incorrect reporting can lead to penalties or enquiries.
What information do you need to prepare?
Getting organised early avoids last-minute pressure. Most returns require:
- UTR number
- National Insurance number
- Income records (invoices, CIS statements, payslips)
- Bank interest statements
- Expense records
- P60 or P45
👉 You can securely upload documents through Tax2u’s document upload service, saving time and emails.
Key Self Assessment deadlines for 2024-2025
Keep these dates in mind:
- 5 October 2025 – Register for Self Assessment (new filers)
- 31 January 2026 – Online filing deadline
- 31 January 2026 – Tax payment deadline
Late filing can trigger automatic penalties, even if no tax is owed.
What happens if you don’t file?
Ignoring Self Assessment can result in:
- £100 late filing penalty
- Daily penalties after three months
- Interest on unpaid tax
- HMRC compliance checks
Once penalties start, they are harder to remove than prevent.
Quick check: do you need to file?
You likely need Self Assessment if you:
- Earned income outside PAYE
- Were self-employed or a contractor
- Received rental, dividend, or foreign income
- Received a notice to file from HMRC
If any apply, action is required.
A simple next step
Self Assessment doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing where you stand early makes everything easier.