Do I need to file a tax return?

For the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026). The online return is due by 31 January 2027. If you've never filed before, you must register by 5 October 2026.

Quick answer

For 2025/26, you usually need a tax return if you were self-employed with income over £1,000, had rental income over £1,000, have capital gains to report, or have other untaxed income HMRC can't collect through your tax code. If your income was over £60,000, you may also need one to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, unless you pay it through your tax code. The online deadline is 31 January 2027. If it's your first return, register by 5 October 2026.

Last checked: 4 October 2026 (GOV.UK).

Answer for the 2025/26 tax year.

Did HMRC write to ask you to send a 2025/26 tax return? Were you self-employed (a sole trader) with income over £1,000, before expenses? Were you a partner in a business partnership? Income from renting out property (not a lodger under Rent a Room) Did you sell shares, crypto, a second home or other assets at a gain that means Capital Gains Tax is due? Do you owe the High Income Child Benefit Charge (income over £60,000 and someone in the household gets Child Benefit), and you're not paying it through PAYE? Savings interest or dividends of more than £10,000 (outside ISAs)? Other untaxed income (tips, commission, foreign income, casual work)

The GOV.UK rules in brief

You must send a tax return if, in the tax year, you were self-employed and earned over £1,000 (before expenses), were a partner in a partnership, had Capital Gains Tax to pay, or had to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge and don't pay it through PAYE. You may also need one for untaxed income, such as rent, tips, commission, savings interest, dividends or foreign income. Smaller amounts can often be collected through your tax code instead: contact HMRC.

Property: £1,000 or less is covered by the property allowance. From £1,000 to £2,500, contact HMRC. Over £2,500, register for Self Assessment.
Savings: if your interest is £10,000 or less, your bank tells HMRC, and any tax is usually collected through your tax code.
Selling your own things on Vinted or eBay usually isn't income. See the Vinted & eBay checker.
The old rule that everyone earning over £150,000 must file no longer applies to PAYE-only income.

Sources: GOV.UK: who must send a tax return, HMRC's official checker, trading and property allowances. This tool is a guide. For a definite answer, use HMRC's checker or contact HMRC.

Free calculator: Self Assessment deadline countdown and key dates

£7Self-Assessment Tax Tracker 2026/27

Have every number ready for your tax return, sorted into HMRC's categories.

Income and expenses logs with HMRC categories, mileage, use of home, an estimate of income tax and Class 4 NI, and year-to-date MTD quarterly totals.

Get it for £7 →

Instant download · Google Sheets & Excel · Secure checkout by Payhip

…or get all 10 paid templates for £15 in the UK Bundle (worth £54).

We make and sell this template (Tidy Life Templates).

£15UK Money & Life Templates Bundle (10 templates)

All 10 paid templates (worth £54) for £15: £1.50 each.

Every paid Tidy Life template in one download: budget, bills, debt, Self-Assessment, landlord & MTD, Christmas, January reset, Vinted, house move, meal plan and job hunt.

Get it for £15 →

Instant download · Sheets, Excel & Notion · Secure checkout by Payhip

Launch offer: code FIRST10 takes 10% off at checkout (first 10 orders only).

We make and sell this template (Tidy Life Templates).

FAQs

Do I need to do a tax return if I'm employed?

Usually not, if all your income is taxed through PAYE. You may need one if you also have self-employment income over £1,000, rental income over £2,500, Capital Gains Tax to pay, or the High Income Child Benefit Charge to pay outside PAYE.

What if I need to file but have never registered?

Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year (5 October 2026 for 2025/26). If you're late, register as soon as possible. The filing and payment deadline is still 31 January 2027.

Do I need a tax return for a side hustle under £1,000?

No. Gross trading income of £1,000 or less is covered by the trading allowance, unless you want to file for another reason (for example, to pay voluntary National Insurance).

Related calculators & guides

Claim a tax refund (free) · Personal tax account guide · WFH tax relief 2026 · Marriage Allowance · Pension annual allowance · Salary sacrifice · Take-home pay · Child Benefit charge (HICBC)