Don’t Miss the 31 January Deadline: A Quick Tax Reminder for Sole Traders in the UK

If you’re a sole trader in the UK, 31 January is one date you need to remember. It’s the deadline for submitting your self-assessment tax return to HMRC—and missing it can lead to penalties, stress, and a whole lot of paperwork.

As someone who’s been through it before, I know how easy it is to let the weeks slip by, especially when you're busy running your business. But filing early doesn’t just give you peace of mind—it can also help you avoid mistakes, get organised, and maybe even save some money.

✅ What You Need to Know

Here are the basics:

Deadline: 31 January 2026 (for the 2024–2025 tax year)

Where to file: Online via HMRC’s Self-Assessment portal

Who needs to file: If you're a sole trader who earned more than £1,000 in self-employment income, you're required to file

🧾 What You’ll Need Before Filing

To make your filing process smoother, prepare the following ahead of time:

• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

• National Insurance number

• Details of your income and expenses

• Records of any grants or support you received (like SEISS)

• A record of other income (savings, dividends, etc.), if applicable

💡 Why File Early?

• Filing early gives you time to

• Double-check for errors

• Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything

• Set aside money for your tax bill (if you haven’t already)

• Avoid HMRC’s £100 late filing penalty—which starts the day after the deadline

💬 Need Help?

If you're unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed with what to submit, you're not alone. Many sole traders feel the same way, especially when it’s their first time.

I’m here to help make things easier. If you need a simple checklist, support, or someone to guide you through the self-assessment process, feel free to send me a message.