Filing Self Assessment tax returns early – the benefits for cashflow and business planning
Filing Self Assessment tax returns early removes the last-minute burden and any potential late penalties or interest. More importantly, it will help you to plan your finances over a longer period.
It is important to note that filing your self assessment tax return early does not affect the date in which your tax is payable. The payment date is 31 January, regardless of when the return is submitted. It also does not give HMRC more time to enquire, which is a common misconception.
Read on to learn more about filing Self Assessment tax returns early or you can get in touch with our accountants today who can offer assistance.
When can I file my Self Assessment Tax Return?
Whilst the 31 January deadline may seem a long time away, completing your Self Assessment tax return now could significantly benefit your financial planning.
A Self Assessment tax return can be filed as early as the first day of a new tax year (6 April each year). For example, the end of the 2023/24 tax year is 5 April 2024. Therefore, a tax return for the 2023/24 tax year can be submitted from 6th April 2024.
For the 31 January 2023 deadline, HMRC reported that circa 778,000 individuals filed their self assessment tax returns online on deadline day. Additionally, almost 33,000 completing it in the last hour before the deadline. This is up significantly on the previous year.
Aside from the potential for making a mistake, with a rushed last-minute submission, completing your tax returns close to the deadline gives little time to arrange the appropriate payment of tax to be made on time.
You should look to complete your self assessment tax returns ahead of time but if you do leave it late, Alexander & Co can help.
Read our guide on self assessment tax returns, or contact an accountant at Alexander & Co who can help you with your accounting matters.
When are Self Assessment Tax payments due?
The payment due date is always 31 January following the year-end. So for example, for the 2022/23 tax year which ended on 5 April 2023, the payment deadline for paying any self assessment tax liability (and Class 4 NIC) would be 31 January 2024.
What about payments on account?
In addition, payments on account are required towards the following year’s liability in January and July. These payments are 50% of the prior years liability, unless:
- The last Self Assessment tax bill was lower than £1,000
- More than 80% of all the tax owed has already been paid
- Each payment is half of the tax bill in the previous year
The benefits of filing a tax return early
- Peace of mind that it has been completed and you know your upcoming tax liability
- Financial planning for the year ahead by understanding how much is owed, so payments can be planned, providing better cash flow
- When a refund is due from your tax return, you will be able to get this sooner
- You will avoid any fines or penalties, which can be severe
- Your tax bill is not due at the same time you file your return. Therefore there is time to plan how to pay
Reducing tax payments by filing Self Assessment tax returns early
If you know your tax bill is lower than the previous year, you can ask HMRC to reduce your payments on account, which will reduce the amount you pay for the year ahead.
If you have already paid the July payment on account and the tax due is lower than the previous year, you may be able to request a refund or part refund. The following payment due on 31 January will also be lower. Or, in some circumstances, you may not need to make an additional payment at all.
We understand you may be uncertain about submitting your Self Assessment tax return. Our experienced accountants are available to complete these for you. With more than 40 years of experience submitting tax returns, you are in safe hands. We will help to ensure the process is hassle free and allowing you to focus on your work.
If you require us to complete your Self Assessment tax returns or have any other tax matters you require assistance with, contact our experienced team to discuss how we can assist you.
Filing Self Assessment Tax Returns – how Alexander & Co can assist you
Alexander & Co offers a comprehensive range of tax services, covering both personal and corporate tax. We have a vast range of services and have worked in many sectors. Explore other business sectors to find a service to help your business.
For anyone requiring an accountant to complete their Self Assessment tax return, Alexander & Co can assist. Alongside completing your annual tax returns, we advise clients on a wide range of tax and accounting issues. We also constantly review clients personal circumstances to ensure they only pay the correct level of tax they ought to.
Get in touch with our team by emailing info@alexander.co.uk. Alternatively, you can complete the enquiry form below and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
