As the 2024/25 tax year has now come to an end, individuals who need to file a Self Assessment tax return for that year can now do so. Although the return does not have to be filed online until 31 January 2026, there are benefits of filing early.

1. Get it out of the way

There is something very satisfying about ticking an item off a ‘to do’ list. Filing your 2024/25 tax return sooner rather than later will get it out of the way and mean that is no longer hanging over you. This will give you peace of mind.

2. Certainty as to your tax bill Once you have filed your 2024/25 tax return you will know how much tax you need to pay. This will give you plenty of time to set funds aside to pay the January 2026 bill, and also to set up a Time to Pay arrangement if you will need to pay in instalments.

3. Code out underpayments If you are a PAYE taxpayer and you owe £3,000 or less, as long as you file your 2024/25 tax return by 30 December 2025, you can opt to have the tax that you owe collected through your 2026/27 tax code. This delays the payment date and effectively gives you an interest-free instalment plan.

4. Get a repayment sooner If you have overpaid tax for 2024/25, the sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you will be able to receive a refund of the overpaid tax.

5. Review your payments on account The final payment on account for the 2024/25 tax year is due by 31 July 2025. If you already know your 2024/25 liability, you can review your payments on account and reduce them to the correct level if they are too high, so you do not pay more than you need to in July.

6. Ascertain whether you are within MTD for ITSA from April 2026 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) applies from 6 April 2026 onwards to individuals running unincorporated trading and/or property businesses with trading and/or property income of £50,000 or more. The relevant income is that for 2024/25. Once the 2024/25 tax return has been filed, traders and landlords will be able to determine whether they must comply with MTD for ITSA from April 2026. The earlier they know, the longer they have to prepare.

7. Assess transitional profits Self-employed earners with an accounting date other than one between 31 March and 5 April may have transition profits in 2023/24. These profits are normally spread over five years (2023/24 to 2027/28 inclusive) unless the trader elects for these to be assessed earlier. Once the 2024/25 return has been filed, you will know your profits and marginal rate of tax for this year and can assess whether it would be beneficial to bring forward some transition profits to 2024/25. This will be advantageous if they will be taxed at a lower rate in 2024/25 than in later years, or if the personal allowance has not been fully used.

8. Proof of income Your tax return calculation provides you with proof of income which may be needed if you want to apply for a mortgage or a loan.

9. Assist with tax planning Filing your 2024/25 tax return will provide you with information to enable you to review your tax affairs and take advantage of planning opportunities to save tax going forward.

10. Earn brownie points with your tax adviser The run up to the 31 January deadline is a very busy time for accountants and tax advisers. They are likely to look favourably on clients who provide their tax return information early in the following tax year, allowing them to file the return ahead of the January rush.