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Do I need to send a tax return?

You must send a Self Assessment tax return for 2025-26 if, for example, you were a sole trader who earned more than £1,000 before expenses, a partner in a business partnership, or a landlord whose rent was over the GOV.UK limits. Answer a few questions to check. The online return is due by 31 January 2027.

Who must send a tax return

You must send a tax return for the last tax year (6 April to 5 April) if, among other reasons, you were self-employed as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000 before taking off anything you can claim tax relief on, or you were a partner in a business partnership. You may also need to send one if you had untaxed income, such as money from renting out property, tips and commission, savings interest, dividends or foreign income.

For rent from property you personally own: the first £1,000 is covered by the property allowance. Contact HMRC if it’s more than £1,000, up to £2,500. Send a tax return if it’s more than £2,500 after allowable expenses or more than £10,000 before them.

Not sure about other income? HMRC’s check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return asks about the rest.

Questions people ask

Do I need to send a tax return if I’m self-employed?

Yes, if you were a sole trader and earned more than £1,000 in the tax year before taking off your expenses. If you earned £1,000 or less, the trading allowance covers it and you don’t have to, though you can choose to.

Do I need to send a tax return for rental income?

You must if your rent was more than £2,500 after allowable expenses or more than £10,000 before them. If it was more than £1,000 but under those limits, you don’t have to send a return just for it, but you must still tell HMRC: GOV.UK says to contact HMRC if it’s more than £1,000, up to £2,500. The first £1,000 is covered by the property allowance.

When is the 2025-26 tax return due?

Online returns for 2025-26 must reach HMRC by 31 January 2027. If this is your first return, you should have told HMRC by 5 October 2026; if you’re late, register now.

Is this the same as HMRC’s checker?

No. This covers the reasons that usually apply to sole traders, partners and landlords. HMRC’s own “check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return” tool asks about every other kind of income.

This is general information to help you understand the rules. It isn't tailored to your circumstances, so check your own position before acting on it.

What happens next

  1. If you need to send one and haven’t registered, register for Self Assessment now: the 2025-26 return is due online by 31 January 2027.
  2. See what happens if you register late and every 2025-26 deadline.
  3. Want your return prepared for you? Our one-off tax return is coming later: it starts once our HMRC registrations are complete. Or see Righto Tax for Trades and Righto Landlord.

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