HM Revenue and Customs has launched its annual Self Assessment reminder campaign and is encouraging people to file their 2024 to 2025 tax return in good time, rather than waiting until the 31 January deadline.

Across the South West more than one million people completed a Self Assessment return last year. Many of our members fall into this group, particularly sole traders, company directors and landlords, so it is a good moment to check what you need to do.

Filing early means you can take your time to get the figures right, dip in and out of the online form, and make use of the help and guidance on GOV.UK. You do not have to pay your bill straight away. You simply have the peace of mind of knowing what you owe and can plan how to pay it before the deadline.

If you are worried about your tax bill, HMRC may be able to agree an affordable payment plan, known as Time To Pay. There is also an online checker on GOV.UK if you are not sure whether you need to complete a return at all.

Key points from HMRC include:

• You can file your 2024 to 2025 Self Assessment return online at any time before 31 January 2026
• The HMRC app is the quickest way to make a payment once you know what you owe
• A full list of alternative payment options are available on GOV.UK.
• Help is available through online guidance, webinars and the digital assistant on GOV.UK
• Be alert to scams and only use official HMRC channels and GOV.UK links

You can read the full HMRC update and access all of their Self Assessment support on GOV.UK HERE