Countdown to the Self Assessment Deadline – Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute

The Self Assessment tax return deadline is 31 January 2026, and there are only a few days left. If you miss the deadline, automatic penalties and interest may apply — even if you only owe a small amount of tax.

If you have already filed your return and paid any tax due, well done — there is nothing further you need to do.

If not, now is the time to act.

What needs to be included in your Self Assessment?

Many late filings happen because taxpayers underestimate how much information needs to be reported. Common areas that often cause delays include:

Other income

• Bank and building society interest
• Dividend income
• State Pension and other pensions
• Foreign income
• Rental or other miscellaneous income

Tax reliefs and allowances

• Pension contributions
• Gift Aid and charitable donations
• Marriage Allowance
• Blind Person’s Allowance
• Other reliefs you may be entitled to but haven’t claimed before

Missing income or reliefs can result in incorrect tax calculations, amended returns, or enquiries later.

Final checks before you submit

Before submitting your return, it’s important to:

• Review overpayments or underpayments from previous years
• Understand your Self Assessment calculation
• Check whether payments on account apply
• Confirm how much to pay, when to pay, and how to pay
• Ensure your return is complete and accurate before submission

Mistakes made under time pressure are one of the most common causes of future HMRC correspondence.

Need help before the deadline?

If your situation involves:

• Multiple income sources
• Dividends, investments, or foreign income
• Capital Gains Tax
• First-time Self Assessment
• Or you are simply unsure whether everything has been reported correctly

👉 Professional help can save time, stress, and potentially tax.

If you need last-minute assistance, review, or filing support, get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll let you know what’s feasible before the deadline and guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.

Seek Accountant's Help for Your Tax Return

Given the October rush, it’s more important than ever to have reliable support. If you’re unsure about whether you need to file, how to report specific income types, or you want peace of mind your return is done correctly and on time — Elaga Accountancy can help.

We’ll handle your registration, confirm your UTR, prepare your return, and send it on your behalf so you’re compliant and penalty-free.

Don’t wait until the last minute and risk being caught out. Let us take the stress away — you’ll know your affairs are in order, and you’re meeting your legal duty to file and pay.

***Contact us to learn more.

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