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When do you have to register to submit a tax return?

There are a number of reasons why you may need to register with HMRC to submit a tax return. This includes if you:



  • are self-employed and earning more than £1,000, 

  • are a company director,

  • have an annual income over £100,000 and / or if you have certain income from savings, investment or property.

If you need to complete a tax return for the first time, you should inform HMRC as soon as possible. The latest date that HMRC should be notified is by 5 October following the end of the tax year for which a return needs to be filed.


So, if you had income that necessitated you registering for Self Assessment in the 2018-19 tax year, you will need to notify HMRC by 5 October 2019.


HMRC publishes a list of taxpayers who would usually be required to submit a Self Assessment return. The list includes:



  • The self-employed;

  • Taxpayers who had £2,500 or more in untaxed income;

  • Those with savings or investment income of £10,000 or more before tax;

  • Taxpayers who made profits from selling things like shares, a second home or other chargeable assets and need to pay Capital Gains Tax;

  • Company directors – unless it was for a non-profit organisation (such as a charity) and you didn’t get any pay or benefits, like a company car;

  • Taxpayers whose income (or that of their partner’s) was over £50,000 and one of you claimed Child Benefit;

  • Taxpayers who had income from abroad that they needed to pay tax on;

  • Taxpayers who lived abroad and had a UK income;

  • Those whose income was over £100,000.

In certain limited circumstances HMRC can also ask you to complete tax returns for other reasons.


Need help registering for Self-Assessment?


If you are unsure if you need to register, or would like assistance with the formal registration process, please call.

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