Do you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return this year?

If someone has had a change in circumstances, then they might need to complete their first
ever Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HM Revenue and Customs
(HMRC) is reminding people.  
 
Taxpayers can use the quick and easy free online checking tool on GOV.UK and register
with HMRC by 5 October if they do need to self-assess. Taxpayers can also use it if they
think they may not need to complete one this year too.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: 

 “It is important that taxpayers check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return
so they can pay the right amount of tax owed and avoid penalties for not filing a return. It is
quick and easy to check by using the interactive tool on GOV.UK – there is no need to ring
us.”

Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return if they:

 are newly self-employed and have earned more than £1,000  
 have multiple sources of income  
 have received any untaxed income, for example earning money for creating online content  
 earn more than £100,000 a year 
 earn income from property that they own and rent out 
 are a new partner in a business partnership 

 are claiming Child Benefit and they or their partner have an income above £50,000
 receive interest from banks and building societies (more than £10,000) 
 receive dividends in excess of £10,000 
 need to pay Capital Gains Tax  
 are self-employed and earn less than £1,000 but wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits 

The online checking tool can also be used by those who may no longer need to do Self Assessment, including if they: 

 gave up work or retired 
 are no longer self-employed 
 earn below the minimum income thresholds 

If taxpayers no longer think they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid
any penalties. 

Taxpayers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. Once registered, they will receive
their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their tax return. 
 
HMRC has wide range of resources to help taxpayers file a tax return including a series of
video tutorials on YouTube and a new step by step guide. for anyone that is filing for the first
time.   
 
Taxpayers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share
their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent if they have one. HMRC scams
advice is available on GOV.UK. 

Notes

1. Taxpayers can register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK.
2. Taxpayers can request to remove themselves from Self Assessment on GOV.UK. 
3. Taxpayers do not need to wait until 31 January before filing their tax return, help and
   support is available on GOV.UK to help them complete their return. They can submit
   it at any time but do not have to pay until the deadline, unless they choose to.
4. Filing earlier also allows them to find out what they owe sooner and work out their
   budget.