In the UK, individuals and entities who meet certain criteria are required to register for self-assessment tax returns. Here’s a general overview of who may need to register:

1. Self-Employed Individuals: If you are self-employed and earn more than £1,000 you must register for self-assessment. This includes sole traders and freelancers.
2. Partners in Partnerships: Partners in a business partnership, whether it’s a general partnership (GP) or limited liability partnership (LLP), are also required to register for self-assessment. Each partner reports their share of the partnership’s income and expenses. In addition, the partnership itself must be registered for, and complete, its own tax return.
3. Individuals with Other Income Sources: Individuals who have income from sources other than employment or self-employment, such as rental income, investment income, or foreign income, may need to register for self-assessment.
4. High Earners: If your income exceeds £100,000 for 2022/23, you will be required to register for self-assessment, even if your income is primarily from employment.
5. Individuals Due To Pay The High Income Child Benefit Charge: If you or your partner earn over £50,000  and either of you receive Child Benefit, or someone else receives Child Benefit for a child living with you  and they contribute at least an equal amount towards the child’s upkeep you may be due to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. It does not matter whether the child living with you is not your own child.
6. Individuals with Complex Tax Affairs: Some individuals have complex tax affairs that necessitate self-assessment, even if they don’t fit into the categories mentioned above. This could include individuals with significant capital gains, multiple sources of income, or special tax arrangements.
7. Individuals Receiving Tax Return Notices: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may issue a tax return notice to individuals or entities for various reasons. If you receive such a notice, you must register for self-assessment and complete the tax return as instructed.

Some people may not fall into any of the above categories but may choose to complete tax returns in order to claim some Income Tax reliefs or to prove they are self-employed, for example in order to claim Tax-Free Childcare or Maternity Allowance.

If you need to complete a tax return for the year ended 5^th April 2023 and have not completed one before you must notify HMRC by the 5^th October 2023. This can be done online at https://www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment  or by completing a paper form to send through the post.

If you are completing a paper tax return for 2022/23 it must be submitted to HMRC by midnight on 31^st October 2023.

If you are completing an online tax return for 2022/23 it must be submitted to HMRC by midnight on 31^st January 2024.

Regardless of how the return was filed any tax owing must be paid by midnight on 31^st January 2024. If tax is paid late, penalties and interest may be added.

If you believe you need to register for self-assessment or are unsure about your tax obligations contact us at [email protected] for more information.