Self Assessment is HMRC’s system for collecting income tax from people whose tax isn’t automatically deducted through PAYE. If you earn income that isn’t taxed at source, you’ll likely need to file a Self Assessment tax return each year.
Who Needs to File a Self Assessment Return?
You’ll usually need to submit a Self Assessment tax return if you:
- Are self-employed or a partner in a partnership
- Receive Child Benefit and either you or your partner earns over £60,000
- Are a company director
- Have untaxed savings, investment, or dividend income
- Own land or property that is let out
- Receive income from overseas
- Have capital gains above the annual exempt amount
If you’re unsure whether you need to file, it’s always worth checking — failing to register for Self Assessment when required can result in penalties from HMRC.
Key Self Assessment Deadlines
- 5 October — register for Self Assessment if you’re new to it
- 31 October — paper return deadline
- 31 January — online return deadline and tax payment due
- 31 July — second payment on account (if applicable)
What About Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD) is now live. Since April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000 are required to submit quarterly updates to HMRC digitally, in addition to a final annual declaration. Find out more about MTD and how PBAS can help you comply.
How PBAS Handles Your Self Assessment
At PBAS, we use HMRC-approved software to prepare, review, and file your Self Assessment tax return accurately and on time. Our service includes:
- Full preparation of your Self Assessment tax return
- Calculation of your tax liability and payment dates
- A thorough review to identify any potential tax savings
- Online filing directly with HMRC
- Clear guidance on amounts owed and when to pay
We offer low-cost fixed pricing so you know exactly what you’ll pay — no surprises, no hourly rates.
Get Started
Don’t leave your tax return to the last minute. Contact PBAS today and let us take care of it for you.
”Frequently Asked Questions — Self Assessment
What is the Self Assessment deadline?
The online Self Assessment deadline is 31 January each year. Paper returns must be submitted by 31 October. Tax owed is also due on 31 January, with a second payment on account due 31 July if applicable. Read more: Self Assessment Penalties — How to Avoid Them →
What happens if I miss the Self Assessment deadline?
HMRC will issue an automatic £100 penalty for a late return, even if no tax is owed. Further daily penalties apply after 3 months. Read more: What to Do If You’ve Missed the Self Assessment Deadline →
What is a payment on account?
Payments on account are advance payments towards your next tax bill, calculated as half of the previous year’s liability. They’re due in January and July and can catch first-time filers off guard. Read more: What Is a Payment on Account — and Why Is HMRC Asking for Double? →
Do I need to register for Self Assessment if I’m self-employed?
Yes — if you’re self-employed and earning above the trading allowance, you must register with HMRC by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which you started. Read more: How to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC →
What National Insurance do I pay as self-employed?
Self-employed people pay Class 4 National Insurance on profits above the Lower Profits Limit, calculated through Self Assessment. Class 2 NI has been abolished from April 2024. Read more: National Insurance for the Self-Employed: Class 2 and Class 4 Explained →
What expenses can I claim on my Self Assessment return?
Allowable expenses include things like office costs, travel, equipment, phone and internet, professional fees, and marketing costs — but the rules depend on your trade. Read more: What Expenses Can Sole Traders Claim? →
Who We Serve
PBAS provides self assessment tax returns for sole traders and micro-businesses across East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and the wider Scotland area. We’re based in Wallyford, Musselburgh — conveniently located for clients across the Lothians — and we work remotely with clients throughout Scotland.
Whether you’re a tradesperson in Musselburgh, a freelancer in Edinburgh, or a small business owner anywhere in East Lothian, we offer the same personal, affordable service. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat →
Related Guides
- Self Assessment Penalties — How to Avoid Them
- How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as a Sole Trader
- What to Do If You’ve Missed the Self Assessment Deadline
- What Expenses Can Sole Traders Claim?
For authoritative HMRC guidance on self assessment tax returns, visit the GOV.UK Self Assessment guide.
