Starting early is key to less stress around Self Assessment

More than a quarter of people said they experience anxiety before financial deadlines, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October), encouraging Self Assessment customers to start their tax return now.

Exploring the digital habits of more than 5,200 customers, an HMRC-commissioned survey revealed more than 26% of people said they experience anxiety when tax or financial deadlines were approaching.

The deadline to submit a Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027. Millions of Self Assessment customers choose to file their tax return well ahead of the January deadline each year which they can do on GOV.UK. Last year, more than 24,000 customers filed theirs on World Mental Health Day.

Customers who haven’t started their tax returns can access help and guidance on GOV.UK before starting theirs, which could help minimise any anxiety or stress they may be feeling ahead of the deadline.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Self Assessment doesn’t need to be overwhelming, by starting early you have time to prepare properly and complete your tax return in manageable bitesize chunks, which is always better. Whether you are gathering the information you need or have already made a start on your Self Assessment, there is plenty of help online. Go to GOV.UK to start today.”

Other tips to avoid stress around Self Assessment include:

• Prepare: have all your records and personal income details to hand before you start
• Make a start: start it, save it and go back to it as many times as you need. Taking breaks makes the process more manageable
• Take your time: an accurate tax return means you won’t be paying more tax than you need to
• Budget: plan how you would prefer to pay any tax owed, for example monthly instalments, rather than facing a big bill all at once

Anyone still unsure if they need to fill in a tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year can use the Self Assessment checker tool on GOV.UK where they can also register and notify HMRC if they no longer need to complete one.

Customers signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax still need to submit their Self Assessment tax return and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.

Self Assessment customers with a PAYE income can file online before 30 December and have any tax owed collected via their tax code.

HMRC Press Release

If you need help or advice with your Self-Assessment please contact us

Looking for advice? Check out our full range of services. From payroll help to taxation advice, our expert team is available to lend a hand.