A self assessment tax return is easier when the records are ready before you log in. This plan takes you from checking whether you need to file, through gathering paperwork and working out totals, to submitting and paying.
Deadlines, rates and thresholds change, so this plan never states them. Where a figure or date matters, the step points you to GOV.UK or HMRC to check the current one.
The weeks count from the day you copy it into Tatask. Start early enough that the real deadline sits comfortably after your final week.
What's in this plan
See every step
Week 1: confirm you need to file(day 7)
Check whether you need to send a tax return
Use the HMRC checker on GOV.UK. Reasons include self-employment, rental income or other untaxed income.
The rules change, so check the current ones rather than relying on memory.
Check the current filing and payment deadlines
Find the online and paper deadlines for the tax year on GOV.UK. Note them in your calendar and in the next task.
Add the real deadline to your calendar with a reminder 2 weeks before
Check you are registered for self assessment
If you have never filed, registering takes time and HMRC posts an activation code. Check the current lead time on GOV.UK.
Find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
It is on past HMRC letters and in your online account. If you cannot find it, ask HMRC how to retrieve it.
Set up or recover your Government Gateway login
Do this early. Recovering access can take days.
Weeks 2 to 3: gather your records(day 21)
Download your income records for the tax year
Include invoices, payment platform reports and bank statements. Pull only the tax year you are filing for.
Collect P60, P45 and P11D forms from any employers
Collect bank and savings interest certificates or statements
Collect dividend vouchers and investment statements
Collect rental income and letting agent statements
List income from other sources, such as side jobs and sales
Check on GOV.UK which of these count as taxable income.
Gather receipts and records for allowable expenses
Keep digital copies. Check on GOV.UK what counts as an allowable expense for your situation.
Weeks 3 to 4: totals and reliefs(day 28)
Add up your total income for each source
A simple spreadsheet with one row per source is enough.
Add up allowable business expenses by category
List pension contributions you made in the tax year
Ask your pension provider for a statement if you are unsure.
List charitable donations made through Gift Aid
Check which other reliefs or allowances might apply
Check the current list on GOV.UK. Ask an accountant if your situation is unusual.
Check whether you received Child Benefit and need to report it
The rules depend on income. Check the current position on GOV.UK.
Weeks 4 to 6: complete the return(day 42)
Log in to your online HMRC account and start the return
Enter your employment income and tax paid
Enter your self-employment income and expenses
Enter savings, dividends and any property income
Enter pension, Gift Aid and other reliefs
Review the tax calculation for anything that looks wrong
If a figure surprises you, go back to the source record before you submit.
Submit the return and save the confirmation
Keep the submission receipt and a copy of the return with your records.
Weeks 6 to 8: pay and file away(day 56)
Note the amount due and the payment deadline
HMRC shows the total after you submit. Check the payment deadline and any payments on account on GOV.UK.
Pay HMRC and keep proof of payment
Use a payment method listed on GOV.UK. Allow for processing time, which varies by method.
Contact HMRC about a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
Do it before the deadline. Check options on GOV.UK.
Store your records for the period HMRC requires
Check how long you must keep them on GOV.UK.
Set up a folder for next year's receipts and income records