HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is advising Self Assessment customers to begin their tax returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year now, ahead of the 31 January 2027 deadline. This recommendation follows an HMRC-commissioned survey which found that over 26% of individuals experience anxiety when financial or tax deadlines approach.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, stated that starting early allows for proper preparation and completion of the tax return in manageable stages. HMRC also highlights that millions of customers file their returns well before the January deadline each year.
For those who pay their High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) through Self Assessment, around 300,000 customers will find their or their partner’s Child Benefit payment details pre-populated on their online tax return. Additionally, customers who received the 2025 to 2026 Winter Fuel Payment will see it pre-populated in their online tax return where possible.
The deadline for submitting paper tax returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 October 2026, while online filers have until 31 January 2027.