Quick Answer
Who Needs to File?If you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment during the 2025/26 tax year, you must file a Self Assessment tax return with HMRC. The deadline for online returns is 31 January 2027.Key Deadlines5 April 2026: End of the 2025/26 tax year31 October 2026:...
Key Information
- Last Updated:
- 5 Jun 2026
- Category:
- Tax Guides
- Reading Time:
- 1 min read
Who Needs to File?
If you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment during the 2025/26 tax year, you must file a Self Assessment tax return with HMRC. The deadline for online returns is 31 January 2027.
Key Deadlines
- 5 April 2026: End of the 2025/26 tax year
- 31 October 2026: Paper return deadline
- 31 January 2027: Online return deadline and payment due
What You Can Claim
You can deduct legitimate business expenses from your income before calculating your tax. This includes office costs, travel, phone bills, and professional subscriptions. Keep all receipts for at least 5 years.
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Just moved to Bristol and started freelancing. This guide is a lifesaver - cheers for breaking down the tax year deadlines!
I see that the threshold for filing is £1,000. Just wondering, what happens if I earn exactly £950? Do I still need to file?
Don't forget, if you're using the flat rate scheme for your business expenses, you can't claim individual items. Keep that in mind when you're filing!
Remember, only capital allowances on assets costing £15k+ can be deducted at 100% first year. Useful for planning ahead!
Brilliant guide, thanks! Just wondering, what happens if I started self-employment halfway through the tax year?
I found this guide particularly helpful as I'm starting my self-employment journey in Bristol. The clear deadlines and tips on what expenses to claim have really put me at ease.
Remember, you can claim mileage allowances instead of actual costs for business travel. HMRC rates are 45p/mile for cars in 2026/27.
I'm a bit confused by the £1k threshold. Does this mean if I earned £950, I wouldn't need to file?
Just moved to Bristol and started freelancing. Really useful to know about the 31 Jan deadline for filing my first Self Assessment return!
Just a heads-up, if you're claiming allowances for using your own vehicle for business, don't forget to keep mileage logs too. HMRC can ask for these at any time.
Just started my self-employment journey - when should I start keeping track of those receipts then?
I'm a bit confused about the £1,000 threshold for filing. Does this mean I don't need to file if my self-employment earnings are exactly £999?
Just started my self-employment journey this year - any tips on keeping track of expenses? I've heard about apps but not sure which one to choose!