Self Assessment | Check if you need to send a tax return and get ready to file

Use HMRC’s online tool to check if you need to complete a tax return for 2022-23

If you normally file a Self Assessment tax return, you’ll need to send HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) your return for the tax year 2022 to 2023 and pay any tax you owe by 31 January 2024.

Once you’ve registered for Self Assessment, you must file a return by law, even if you’ve already paid all the tax you owe or think you don’t owe any tax.

How to check if you need to complete a tax return

Use this online tool to check if you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.

If you’ve already sent a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, or HMRC has been in contact to tell you that you don’t need to send one, you don’t need to do anything else.

If you no longer need to send a tax return, you need to let HMRC know. If you don’t, you may have to pay a penalty.

How to tell HMRC if you don’t need to send a return:

• if you were self-employed but have stopped working for yourself, use HMRC's online form
• if you’re not self-employed, HMRC has created some guidance and an online form you can use

You don’t have to wait until January to send your return

If you file before the deadline, you’ll be able to:

• find out sooner if you’re owed money
• pay what you owe in instalments to help with your budgeting
• get help if you can’t pay your tax bill
• avoid the stress of last-minute filing

For further information see Self Assessment | Benefits of filing your 2022-23 tax return early.

First published 15 August 2023.