Not everyone in the UK needs to complete a Self-Assessment tax return — but if you’re self-employed, earning untaxed income, or claiming certain benefits, it’s likely you do.
At Tax2U, we make it easy to understand whether you need to file — and if so, how to get it done quickly and stress-free.
Who Must Submit a Self-Assessment Tax Return?
You must send a Self-Assessment tax return if any of the following apply:
1. You’re Self-Employed
If you are working for yourself or registered as a sole trader, you’re legally required to file a tax return, even if you haven’t made much profit.
Need help registering? Apply for your UTR Number.
2. You’re in a Business Partnership
Each partner in a business partnership must file a tax return, and the partnership itself also needs to submit a separate return.
3. You’ve Received Untaxed Income
Even if you’re employed and pay tax through PAYE, you’ll need to file a return if you have other income not taxed at source, such as:
- Rental income e.g. renting out a flat, room, or Airbnb property Learn more about claiming expenses via our Landlord Tax Return Service.
- Commission or tips Common in service and sales industries.
- Interest, savings or investment income From dividends, stocks, crypto, or bank accounts.
- Foreign income Income from overseas properties, pensions, or employment.
4. You Applied for a UTR
If you’ve applied for a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), HMRC expects a return — even if you haven’t traded yet.
If you’re unsure, check with our team.
🧾 What If You’re Employed?
You probably don’t need to file a tax return if:
- You’re only earning wages or a pension
- Your tax is already deducted through PAYE
- You haven’t received any untaxed income or reliefs to claim
Situations Where You May Still Need to File
Even if you’re not self-employed, you might still benefit or be required to file if:
You’re Claiming Tax Reliefs
Certain benefits require a tax return to process or validate:
- Tax-free childcare
- Maternity allowance
- Marriage tax allowance
- Pension top-ups
- Uniform or work-related expense claims
Still Unsure?
If you’re not sure whether you need to file, our team is here to help. Use our quick checker or message us directly via the Contact page.
Deadlines & Penalties
If you are required to file and don’t do it on time, HMRC may issue:
- A £100 fine for late filing (even if you owe no tax)
- Daily penalties if it continues past 3 months
- Additional interest and surcharges for unpaid tax
Avoid penalties by getting started early.
Use our Self-Assessment Service to submit your return in as little as 48 hours.
Get Started Now
Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, or just have untaxed income, Tax2U helps you file with confidence.
Fast, professional tax return service.
Easy document upload.
Rebate and allowance checks included.
Full submission to HMRC.
Start your Self-assessment tax return today and we’ll take care of the rest.