Self Assessment tax returns

If you're self-employed, you must file a Self Assessment tax return each year. The online deadline is 31 January after the end of the tax year.

Expenses you can claim

SFTI membership, software, equipment, training, insurance, a proportion of home office costs, and travel to interpreting assignments.

Payments on account

If your tax bill is over £1,000, you'll usually make two advance payments, on 31 January and 31 July.

Good to know

• Our business guides are reviewed every year by the Professional Practice team.
• Save copies of quotes, invoices and client emails for at least 6 years for HMRC.
• Keep business and personal finances in separate bank accounts; it makes tax returns much easier.

Downloads

• Late payment letters (Word, 37 KB)
• Starting out as a freelancer (PDF, 520 KB)

Page last reviewed 23 February 2026