If you're a salaried employee in the UK, you may not always need to file a tax return, because most people’s taxes are handled through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), which is the system used by employers to deduct income tax and National Insurance from your salary. However, there are certain circumstances when you may still need to file a Self Assessment tax return.

When You Need to File a Tax Return:

You may need to file a tax return if any of the following apply:

1. You have income from other sources that isn't taxed through PAYE (e.g., rental income, dividends, freelance income, etc.).

2. You are a high earner with income over £100,000.

3. You claim certain tax reliefs or benefits that require Self Assessment (e.g., claiming Gift Aid, marriage allowance, etc.).

4. You have significant income from savings or investments that isn't taxed automatically (e.g., interest, dividends).

5. You are a director of a company.

6. You have other income or deductions that HMRC doesn't know about (e.g., pension contributions, large expenses).

If You Don’t Need to File a Tax Return:

If your tax affairs are straightforward and your only income is from your salary (and possibly some minor savings income or tax-free benefits), HMRC will usually handle everything for you via the PAYE system, and you won’t need to submit a tax return.

How to File a Tax Return:

If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return, here’s how you can do it:

1. Register for Self Assessment (if you haven't already)

• If you're filing a tax return for the first time, you'll need to register with HMRC. You can do this online via the HMRC website.

• Registration is required by 5 October following the end of the tax year you need to file for. So, for the 2023/24 tax year (ending 5 April 2024), you must register by 5 October 2024.

• HMRC will then send you your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which you will use to submit your return.

2. Set Up an Online Account

• After registering, you’ll need to create an HMRC online account if you don’t already have one.

• Log in to your account at HMRC Self Assessment.

3. Complete Your Tax Return

• Fill in the online Self Assessment form. This will ask for information about your income, tax reliefs, and other financial details. Make sure you have your payslips, P60, P11D (if applicable), and any other relevant documents to hand.

• Employment income: If you're employed, you’ll need details from your P60 (or P45 if you left the job during the year). Your P60 will include your salary, tax paid, and National Insurance contributions.

• Other income: If you have other sources of income (e.g., self-employed earnings, dividends, or rental income), you'll need to report that too.

4. Submit Your Tax Return

• After filling out the form, review everything and submit it online.

5. Pay Your Tax (if applicable)

• If you owe tax after submitting your return, you must pay it by 31 January following the end of the tax year. You can pay using various methods, such as:

• Online or telephone banking

• Debit or credit card

• Direct Debit

• At your bank or Post Office using a paying-in slip (provided by HMRC)

6. Deadlines

• Paper Tax Return: Submit by 31 October following the end of the tax year.

• Online Tax Return: Submit by 31 January following the end of the tax year.

• Pay tax: Pay by 31 January (for any tax owed for the previous tax year).

Example:

If you're submitting a tax return for the 2023/24 tax year (6 April 2023 – 5 April 2024):

• You must submit your paper return by 31 October 2024.

• You must submit your online return by 31 January 2025.

• Any tax you owe must be paid by 31 January 2025.

What If You Don’t File on Time?

If you don’t file your tax return by the deadline or fail to pay any tax owed on time, HMRC may impose fines and interest. The penalty structure is:

• Late filing penalty: £100 if you miss the deadline.

• Ongoing penalties: Additional fines apply if the return is late for more than 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.