Self Assessment 2025/26: Don’t Get Caught Out by the Biggest Tax Changes in Years
The new tax year is well underway, and for thousands of self-employed individuals, freelancers, landlords, and those with additional income, Self Assessment season is already on the horizon. With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax now mandatory for many from 6 April 2026, getting organised early has never been more important.
At DBM Accountancy Ltd, we’re helping local clients navigate these changes smoothly — and avoid costly penalties.
Self Assessment 2025/26 – Important Deadlines You Need to Know
- 5 October 2026 — Deadline to register for Self Assessment (if you need to file for the first time)
- 31 October 2026 — Paper tax returns due
- 31 January 2027 — Online Self Assessment filing and tax payment deadline
Missing these dates can trigger automatic penalties starting at £100, plus interest on late payments. Early filing not only avoids stress but can also help you spot opportunities to claim extra deductions.
The Big Change: Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Starts April 2026
From 6 April 2026, HMRC is rolling out Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) in phases. If your combined gross income from self-employment and/or property rental exceeded £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, you must:
- Keep digital records using HMRC-approved software
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC (instead of waiting until January)
- Still complete an annual Self Assessment declaration
Future thresholds:
- £30,000+ from April 2027
- £20,000+ from April 2028
Even if you’re not affected this year, preparing now will make future compliance far easier.
Quarterly deadlines example (for 2026/27 tax year):
- Q1: 7 August 2026
- Q2: 7 November 2026 (and so on)
This shift moves the UK closer to real-time digital tax reporting — great for HMRC, but potentially overwhelming for individuals without the right support.
Common Pitfalls That Could Cost You Money
- Forgetting allowable expenses (home office, mileage, software subscriptions, etc.)
- Missing income from side gigs, dividends, or foreign sources
- Poor record-keeping leading to MTD non-compliance penalties
- Leaving everything until the January rush
How DBM Accountancy Ltd Can Help You
We take the hassle out of Self Assessment and MTD compliance for local businesses and individuals. Our services include:
- Full Self Assessment preparation & filing
- MTD software setup and quarterly update management
- Expense maximisation to reduce your tax bill legally
- Proactive tax planning and penalty protection
- Bespoke support for landlords and freelancers
Whether you’re just over the threshold or simply want peace of mind, our friendly team makes tax straightforward.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until the deadlines loom. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with DBM Accountancy Ltd and get ahead of the 2025/26 Self Assessment and MTD changes.
Contact us: 📞 07547494789 📧 [email protected]🌐 www.dbmaccounts.co.uk
Official HMRC MTD guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-and-when-you-need-to-use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax
Self Assessment deadlines: https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns/deadlines