File Your 2025/26 Self Assessment Early: Why It Pays to Beat the January Rush

The Self Assessment deadline of 31 January has a habit of turning into a January panic. But there is no reason to leave it that late. With the 2025/26 tax year now closed, you can file your return today — and there are real advantages to getting it done early.

Filing early does not mean paying early

This is the myth that keeps people waiting. Submitting your return early simply tells you what you owe sooner; you still do not have to pay until 31 January. That extra time to budget for the bill is one of the biggest reasons to file now rather than later.

Who needs to file a return?

You will usually need to complete a Self Assessment if you are self-employed, a landlord with rental income, a company director, a higher earner, or receiving significant income from dividends, savings or overseas. If you are not sure whether it applies to you, it is worth checking early.

The cost of leaving it to January

Miss the 31 January deadline and HMRC charges an automatic £100 penalty straight away, with further daily penalties and interest if the return stays outstanding. Filing early removes that risk entirely and avoids the last-minute scramble for paperwork.

What you need to get started

To prepare your return, we will typically need:

• Records of your income — self-employment, rental, dividends or other sources

• Details of allowable expenses and any receipts

• Your P60, P45 or P11D if you were also employed

• Pension contributions and Gift Aid donations

• Details of any capital gains, such as from selling a property

How BES makes it painless

You send us your figures, we prepare and file your return, claim every allowance you are entitled to, and give you a clear tax calculation with your payment dates spelled out — all for a fixed fee agreed up front. No stress, no surprises.

Beat the January rush. Call BES Accountancy on 0333 224 4111 or request a fixed-fee quote for your Self Assessment today.