File your 2022/23 tax return early

You don’t have to wait until January 2024 to file your Self Assessment tax return

HMRC is encouraging customers to complete their Self Assessment tax return as soon as they can, so they know what they owe and can budget to make the payment by 31 January 2024.

As soon as the 2022/23 tax year ends, you can submit your tax return at a time that suits you. The end of the 2022/23 tax year was 5 April 2023, so you can now submit your Self Assessment tax return for the 22/23 tax year.

Filing early has benefits, including:

• peace of mind and avoiding the stress of last-minute filing
• you’ll know what you owe, so you can plan your budgeting for the year and pay your tax bill in instalments if you need to – you can also get help if you find you can’t pay
• you can find out sooner if you’re owed a refund – and you’ll get it sooner too
• you can use HMRC digital services to do what you need to do quickly and easily online

Filing early also means you will have plenty of time to access the number of payment options available including:

• paying via the free and secure HMRC App
• setting up an online monthly payment plan (self-serve Time to Pay)
• paying through PAYE tax code (subject to eligibility)
• payment on account

HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan if you think you may be unable to pay your tax bill in full. 

Some other useful things to know:

• the easiest and most secure way to file your tax return is online using HMRC digital services
• you can get someone to help you – a friend, relative or accountant can complete the return on your behalf
• it’s important to let HMRC know if your circumstances change – for example, if you no longer need to send in a Self Assessment return you must let them know

Check if you need to complete a tax return. 

First published 17 May 2023