Self Assessment registration deadline approaching – HMRC launches improved online service

HMRC has launched an improved online service for people who need to register for Self Assessment, just ahead of the 5 October 2026 registration deadline for the 2025/26 tax year.

The change should make the process quicker for individuals registering themselves, including much faster access to their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

Who needs to register by 5 October?

You must tell HMRC by 5 October 2026 if you need to complete a tax return for the year ended 5 April 2026 and you have either never submitted a Self Assessment tax return before, or were previously registered but did not need to submit a return for 2024/25.

Common reasons why someone may need to complete a tax return include:

• starting self-employment and receiving more than £1,000 of gross trading income;

• becoming a partner in a business partnership;

• receiving rental income;

• having taxable savings, dividend or foreign income;

• making disposals on which Capital Gains Tax is due; or

• being liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge where this is not being collected through PAYE.

HMRC has an online checker for anyone unsure whether a 2025/26 tax return is required.

Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return

What has changed?

HMRC's new registration process is available through the individual's Personal Tax Account.

The updated service includes pre-populated personal information, the ability to save a partially completed application and return to it later, and confirmation by email or text when registration has been completed.

One of the more useful improvements is the speed at which the UTR is issued. HMRC says taxpayers using the new service should receive their UTR in their online account within 72 hours, rather than potentially waiting up to 15 days for it to arrive by post.

The new service is currently aimed at individuals registering themselves. Tax agents continue to use the existing registration processes on behalf of clients.

Check how to register for Self Assessment

Already registered previously?

If you already submit Self Assessment returns each year, there is normally no need to register again.

However, if you were registered in the past but did not need to submit a return for 2024/25, you may need to reactivate your Self Assessment record before submitting a return for 2025/26. HMRC's registration service will direct you through the appropriate process.

What if you no longer need to file?

It is equally important to tell HMRC if your circumstances have changed and you no longer need to submit a tax return.

For example, you may have stopped being self-employed, ceased renting out a property or no longer be liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

HMRC should be notified as soon as possible. Until HMRC confirms that a return is no longer required, you should continue to comply with the existing Self Assessment filing requirements.

Do not confuse registration with the filing deadline

The 5 October 2026 deadline is the deadline for notifying HMRC and registering for Self Assessment where required.

The deadline for submitting an online 2025/26 Self Assessment tax return and paying the tax due is 31 January 2027.

Registering sooner rather than later therefore gives taxpayers time to obtain their UTR, gather the necessary records and deal with any queries well before the January filing deadline.

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Please contact us to find out how the above applies in your circumstances and how we can help you.

Please note that the above is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. You should not rely on this information to make or refrain from making any decisions. You should always obtain independent professional advice in respect of your own situation.