Home › Guides › Self Assessment guide

    Self Assessment guide

    If you are a director or self-employed, here is how Self Assessment works.

    By the Happy Wallets team·Updated June 2026·5 min read

    Who needs to file

    Directors with untaxed income, the self-employed, and people with higher or additional income often need to file a Self Assessment tax return.

    Key deadlines

    • Register by 5 October after the tax year.
    • File online and pay by 31 January.
    • Keep records for at least five years.

    Frequently asked questions

    What if I file late?+
    There is an automatic penalty plus interest on tax paid late, so file early where you can.
    Accounts are coming soon — the site is in build