The 2025–26 tax year ended on 5 April 2026, and attention now turns to filing your self-assessment tax return. While many leave this until the last minute, there are advantages to filing early.

There are two ways to file your return. You can submit a paper return, which must be filed by 31 October 2026, or file online, with a deadline of 31 January 2027. The 31 January deadline is also when any tax due for 2025–26 must be paid, along with the first payment on account for 2026–27.

Although the deadline may seem distant, preparing your return early can make a significant difference. Filing early does not accelerate the payment date, but it does give you certainty over how much tax you owe. This allows time to budget and set funds aside, avoiding pressure in January.

There are other benefits too. If you are due a refund, submitting early means you receive it sooner. It also gives more time to gather missing information, resolve queries, and avoid the last-minute rush when systems are busy and deadlines are tight.

In short, early preparation puts you in more control, whether that means planning for a future tax bill or importantly securing a repayment without delay.