January is the busiest month of the year for Self Assessment, and for many people in Hull, it’s their first time tackling it. Whether you’ve recently gone self-employed, started freelancing, or picked up extra income, the process can feel confusing at first.
With the 31 January deadline approaching, here are some practical tips to help first-timers feel more confident — and avoid some of the most common mistakes.
Do You Actually Need to File?
One of the biggest points of confusion in January is whether a Self Assessment return is needed at all. You may need to file if you’re self-employed, a company director, a landlord, earning over £100,000, or receiving income that hasn’t already been taxed.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to check early rather than risk penalties later.
Get Prepared Before You Start
Before logging in, take a bit of time to gather what you can. Bank statements, income records, expense receipts, P60s or P45s, and details of any pension or charity contributions are a good place to start.
Your records don’t need to be perfect. Missing receipts don’t automatically stop you from filing, and in some cases reasonable estimates can be used if handled correctly.
Watch Out for Common Mistakes
Simple errors are more common than people realise. Forgetting additional income, entering figures incorrectly, or claiming expenses that aren’t allowable are all things that come up regularly.
At the same time, many people miss out on expenses they can claim. Business mileage, use of home for work, mobile phone costs, and professional subscriptions are often overlooked.
It’s also worth double-checking personal details like your UTR, address and bank information before submitting, as errors can delay processing or refunds.
Filing Late vs Paying Late
Filing after 31 January results in an automatic £100 penalty. Paying late leads to interest and additional charges.
Even if you can’t pay the full amount straight away, filing on time is still essential. HMRC may offer a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to spread the cost if you act early.
And whatever you do, don’t ignore HMRC letters. Opening and dealing with them promptly gives you more options.
It’s OK to Ask for Help
Many people assume January is too late to get support, but that isn’t always the case. Even close to the deadline, returns can often be reviewed, corrected, or checked for peace of mind.
If Self Assessment feels stressful or confusing, getting advice can make a real difference — sometimes even a quick check is enough to put your mind at ease.
If you need any advice or help completing your self-assessment, don’t hesitate to call us on 01482 400109.
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