Can I Do My Own Personal Tax Return? A Clear Guide for UK Taxpayers

Filing your own personal tax return can feel intimidating, especially when deadlines, penalties, and HMRC rules are involved. Many people in the UK successfully complete their own Self Assessment tax returns each year. Others start with good intentions but quickly realise that once different income sources, tax thresholds, and payments on account are involved, things become more complicated than expected.

This guide explains when you can do your own tax return, what you need to know before you start, key UK deadlines, and when it may make sense to use an accountant instead.

What is a personal tax return?

A personal tax return, also known as a Self Assessment tax return, is how you report income to HMRC that hasn’t been fully taxed through PAYE.

This commonly applies to business owners, landlords, company directors, and higher earners, but it can also apply to employees with additional income. The return brings all of your income together so HMRC can calculate how much tax is due for the tax year.

Understanding the UK tax year and deadlines

In the UK, the tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. This is important because all income and expenses must fall within that period.

For example, the 2024/25 tax year runs from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. The deadline to file your tax return and pay any tax owed for that year is 31 January 2026.

Missing this deadline can lead to automatic penalties, interest on unpaid tax, and further charges the longer the return remains outstanding.

Can I legally do my own personal tax return?

Yes. HMRC allows you to complete and submit your own tax return, and many people do.

However, HMRC assumes you understand the tax rules that apply to your income and that the information you submit is correct. If mistakes are made, penalties can still apply even if the error was accidental. This is why many people start by filing their own return, but later choose to get professional help as their finances become more complex.

When does a tax return become mandatory?

A tax return becomes mandatory in several common situations, including when you earn income outside PAYE or exceed certain thresholds, particularly as reporting rules such as Making Tax Digital are introduced. In simple terms, HMRC expects a return when they cannot automatically collect the correct amount of tax.

A tax return is usually required if:

• You earn more than £1,000 from self-employment or rental income in a tax year

• You are a company director (in most cases)

• You earn over £150,000 from employment

• You have untaxed income such as dividends, capital gains, or foreign income

HMRC may also issue a formal notice requiring you to file a return. Once this happens, the return must be submitted, even if you believe no tax is due.

How can a personal tax return be filed?

Most people now file their tax return online, but there are several accepted methods. A return can be submitted through HMRC’s online Self Assessment system, using HMRC-approved commercial software, or through an accountant acting as your agent.

Paper returns still exist, but they have earlier deadlines and are more likely to cause delays or errors.

What are payments on account?

Payments on account are one of the most common areas of confusion for people filing their own tax return.

They usually apply when your tax bill is over £1,000 and less than 80% of your tax has been collected at source, such as through PAYE. When this happens, HMRC asks you to make advance payments towards the following year’s tax bill.

These payments are split into two instalments:

• One due by 31 January

• One due by 31 July

Each payment is typically 50% of your previous year’s tax bill. Although it can feel like you are paying tax twice, these amounts are credited against your next year’s liability.

When doing your own tax return can work

Completing your own tax return can be suitable when your finances are straightforward and you are confident with deadlines and calculations. This is more likely when you have one main source of income, minimal expenses, and no complex tax reliefs or reporting requirements.

In these cases, HMRC’s online system can be manageable if you take care and keep good records.

When doing it yourself becomes risky

Tax returns often become more complicated as income increases or circumstances change. Business owners, landlords, and high earners frequently run into issues such as missing allowable expenses, misunderstanding payments on account, or incorrectly reporting income.

The risk is not just penalties, it’s also paying more tax than legally required because reliefs or allowances are missed.

How we help with personal tax returns

We help individuals across the UK with personal tax returns, including business owners, landlords, sole traders, and high earners from employment.

Rather than just submitting figures, we review your full situation to ensure income is reported correctly, allowable deductions are claimed, and payments on account are understood and planned for. We also deal with HMRC on your behalf, removing the stress and saving you time.

Final thoughts

Yes, you can do your own personal tax return, but understanding the rules, thresholds, and deadlines is essential. For many people, the biggest risk isn’t filing the return, but filing it incorrectly or paying more tax than necessary.

If you’d prefer an accountant to handle your personal tax return for you, or you want reassurance that it’s been done correctly, get in touch with us today. We’ll ensure your return is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your tax position.