When is the Self Assessment deadline? Tax return deadlines in 2021 and 2022

The Self Assessment tax return deadline is on 31 January each year. This means that the deadline for filing your 2020-21 taxes is on 31 January 2022.

There are other important self-employed Self Assessment deadlines too – see them all here.

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Self Assessment deadline for the 2019-2020 tax year

If you brought home untaxed income between 6 April 2019 and 5 April 2020 (for example through self-employment or earning money from a rental property) the tax return deadline was 31 January 2021.

If you’ve missed this filing deadline you’ve probably already received a fine. But the fines keep piling up the longer you delay, so it’s important to file your tax return and pay any tax owed as soon as possible (although the HMRC penalty system is changing in 2022).

If you need a hand, check out our top tax return tips.

Self Assessment deadline for income earned in 2020-21

For untaxed income earned during the 2020-21 tax year, the online deadline for filing your Self Assessment tax return and paying your bill is midnight 31 January 2022.

But you can file your tax return at any time before then – there are a number of benefits in filing it early. It can make it easier to plan your finances, plus help you minimise the risk of fines. Here are five reasons to do your tax return early.

Other Self Assessment tax return deadlines

There are several other Self Assessment dates throughout the year to bear in mind. It’s unlikely that all of them will be relevant to you, but understand which ones apply so that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Payment on account tax deadline

31 July is the deadline for making your second payment on account to HMRC. Payment on account applies to you if your Self Assessment tax bill was over £1,000 when you submitted your tax return for the period.

It doesn't apply if your tax bill was less than £1,000, or if 80 per cent or more of your tax was deducted at source (for example through your tax code, or because your bank has deducted interest on your savings). Take a look at our payment on account guide if you’re not sure.

Deadline for registering for Self Assessment

5 October is the deadline for telling HMRC that you’re self-employed so that they know you need to complete a tax return next year. If you’re already registered as self-employed, there’s no need to do this again. Check out our guide to registering with HMRC for more information.

Paper tax return deadline

31 October is the Self Assessment deadline for the tax year if you want to file a paper return rather than filing online. However, most businesses find it easier to file their tax return online – and under Making Tax Digital plans, eventually paper filing may not be an option.

Tax return deadline for tax collected via PAYE

30 December is the deadline for filing your online tax return if you want the tax owed to be collected through PAYE via your tax code.

This is only an option if you have some income that’s already taxed through PAYE (as in, you’re employed as well as self-employed), and if your Self Assessment tax bill is below £3,000. See our article on tax codes for more information.

Self Assessment deadline for income earned in 2021-2022

If you continue earning untaxed income from 6 April 2021, this will fall into the tax year 2021-22, which ends on 5 April 2022.

The deadline for filing a 2021-22 Self Assessment tax return will be midnight on 31 January 2023, although keep an eye on Making Tax Digital announcements in case there are any updates.

2023 may sound like a long way off, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about your tax return as soon as you start earning money. For example:

• consider opening a business bank account to keep business and personal finances separate
• keep all your receipts for tax deductible expenses
• use an accounting app or a spreadsheet to keep track of your income, which should make everything much easier when it comes to filing your tax return

Still feeling confused about Self Assessment dates and deadlines? Ask any questions in the comments.