🚨 2024/25 Self Assessment Filing is Now Open – Here's Why You Should File Early
It’s official – the window for submitting your 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return is now open. Whether you're self-employed, a landlord, a company director, or earning additional untaxed income, it's time to get ahead of the game.
While the deadline to file online isn't until 31st January 2026, there are plenty of reasons to file your tax return early. Here’s why acting now could save you time, stress, and even money.
🧾 What Is Self Assessment?
Self Assessment is how HMRC collects Income Tax from people whose earnings aren’t automatically taxed through PAYE. If you’re one of the millions who need to file, you’ll report your income and expenses for the tax year that ended on 5 April 2025.
If you’re unsure whether you need to file, HMRC has a checklist – but if you've filed in previous years or registered for Self Assessment, you'll need to file again.
✅ Why File Early?
1. Know What You Owe – Sooner
Filing early means you’ll know how much tax you owe months in advance. You’ll still have until 31 January 2026 to pay, but it gives you more time to budget and plan.
2. Avoid Last-Minute Stress
Every January, HMRC’s systems get overwhelmed with millions of last-minute filers. Beat the rush, avoid long wait times for support, and keep your January peaceful. Being on a system like Free Agent can also make this simple to do.
3. Get Refunds Quicker
If you’ve overpaid tax, filing early means getting your refund faster. Why let HMRC hold onto your money any longer than necessary?
4. Better for Mortgage or Loan Applications
Need to prove your income for a mortgage or business loan? Filing early gets your SA302 and tax year overview ready for lenders.
5. Avoid Penalties
Miss the deadline and you face a £100 fine (even if you don’t owe any tax). Filing early gives you more breathing room in case anything unexpected crops up.
💡 Final Tip: Don’t Forget to Register
If this is your first year filing a Self Assessment, make sure to register with HMRC by 5 October 2025. You’ll need your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to file.
🕒 Ready to File?
Whether you file yourself or work with an accountant, the earlier you get started, the more time you have to get it right. So let’s ditch the deadline dread and take control of your tax return today.
