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GET YOUR RETURNS IN CABBIES! HMRC urges taxpayers to file 2025-26 Self Assessment returns early
HM Revenue and Customs is urging Self Assessment customers, which includes tens of thousands of taxi and private hire drivers, to start their 2025-26 tax returns early, ahead of the 31 January 2027 online filing and payment deadline.
HMRC said around 12 million people are expected to submit a return by that date. Filing early allows customers to find out what they owe in advance, plan for the payment and, if they have overpaid, potentially receive a refund sooner.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said customers could use the time available to get ahead of the January rush. Guidance and support are available on GOV.UK, where taxpayers can search for “file my Self Assessment” to begin a return.
People who are unsure whether they need to file can use the Self Assessment checker on GOV.UK. Those new to the system must register first to receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they need to complete and submit a return. Customers who no longer need to file can also notify HMRC online.
Support includes guidance on completing different sections of the return, instructional videos and HMRC’s digital assistant, which can answer common questions. Customers may also seek help from a tax agent, friend, family member or voluntary organisation.
Customers signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax must still submit their Self Assessment return in the usual way and pay any tax due by 31 January 2027, HMRC said. Those with PAYE income may be able to file online by 30 December and have tax owed collected through their tax code.
HMRC also warned customers to be alert to scams involving criminals impersonating the department. It advises people not to click links in unexpected messages or share HMRC sign-in details, and to check that requests for personal information are genuine. Advice on identifying scams is available on GOV.UK by searching “HMRC phishing and scams”.
Lloyd said: “The Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away so now is the ideal time to get ahead and file your tax return early.
“Guidance and support are available on GOV.UK to help you file your tax return. Just search ‘file my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to start yours today.”
The deadline for paper returns for the 2025-26 tax year is earlier, on 31 October 2026.
