If you’re earning money outside of regular PAYE employment whether through self-employment, property rental, freelancing, or even side hustles you may need to register for Self Assessmentwith HMRC. This is HMRC’s way of tracking and collecting tax on income that isn’tautomatically taxed at source. To get started, you must register by 5 October 2025 so that you can receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and file your first Self Assessmenttax return for the 2024/25 tax year.
Missing this deadline could mean late filing penalties, additional paperwork, and unnecessary stress. To stay compliant and protect yourself from HMRC fines, it’s essential to know who needs to register, why it matters, and how to do it correctly.
Who Needs to Register for Self Assessment?
You must register with HMRC for Self Assessment if you fall into one of these categories:
- Sole traders earning more than £1,000 before expenses.
- Landlords who earn rental income from property.
- Freelancers, gig economy workers, and online sellers (eBay, Vinted, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Airbnb, etc.) with income over £1,000.
- Individuals with dividends, crypto gains, or savings interest above HMRC’s tax thresholds.
- Company directors, business partners, and those with foreign or offshore income.
- Anyone subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (income above £60,000).
💡 Even if your earnings are below £1,000, you may still choose to register voluntarily. This allows you to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions, which helps protect your state pension and future benefit entitlements.
Why the 5 October Deadline Matters
The Self Assessment registration deadline of 5 October 2025 is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a legal requirement. Missing it can cause a ripple effect on the rest of your tax obligations.
Here’s what happens if you don’t register on time:
- You’ll need to file a paper tax return by 31 October 2025.
- If you miss the paper deadline, you risk HMRC late filing penalties.
- For those filing online, the deadline is 31 January 2026 to both submit your tax return and pay any tax owed.
Registering early gives you time to gather your documents, check your records, and avoid last-minute stress.
Key Upcoming Changes – Making Tax Digital (MTD)
It’s not just about this year’s deadlines the tax system itself is changing. Starting 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will become mandatory for many individuals.
- Who will it affect?
Sole traders and landlords with annual income over £50,000. - What does it mean?
- You must keep digital records of your income and expenses.
- You’ll need to submitquarterly updates using HMRC-approved software.
By registering for Self Assessment now, you’re not only meeting your current obligations but also preparing for digital tax compliancesoon.
How to Register for Self Assessment with HMRC
Registering is simple, but you need to act before the 5 October deadline. Here’s how:
- Check your eligibility using HMRC’s online tool to confirm if you need to register.
- Search “register for Self Assessment HMRC” and follow the step-by-step application process.
- Provide your details and wait to receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
- Keep your UTR safe you’ll need it every time you file your Self Assessment tax return.
- If your situation changes and you no longer need to file, notify HMRC to avoid unnecessary obligations.
How BS Associate Can Help You
At BS Associate, we understand that managing tax deadlines and HMRC requirements can feel overwhelming especially if it’s your first time registering for Self Assessment. Our team of tax experts is here to make the process stress-free and accurate.
Here’s how we can help:
- ✅ Registration support – We’ll guide you step by step to ensure your HMRC Self Assessment registration is completed correctly before the 5 October deadline.
- ✅ UTR management – Assistance in tracking and securing your Unique Taxpayer Reference for hassle-free filing.
- ✅ Tax return preparation – From calculating your income and expenses to ensuring all allowances and reliefs are claimed, we’ll handle your Self Assessment tax return accurately.
- ✅ Deadline reminders – Never miss HMRC’s filing and payment deadlines again with our timely reminders.
- ✅ Making Tax Digital readiness – We’ll help you prepare for the 2026 MTD changes with the right digital tools and advice.
With BS Associate by your side, you can focus on running your business or side hustle while we handle the compliance.
Take Action Today
✅ Don’t wait until the last minute register for Self Assessment now to avoid stress and penalties.
✅ Ensure you receive your UTR number in time to file your 2024/25 tax return.
✅ Stay prepared for Making Tax Digital by getting used to the process early.
✅ Get professional support from BS Associate to make the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Conclusion
The Self Assessment registration deadline of 5 October 2025 is fast approaching. Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, freelancer, or side hustler, registering on time is the first step to keeping your tax affairs in order. It ensures you receive your UTR number, gives you enough time to file, and helps you avoid HMRC fines.
At BS Associate, we make sure you don’t just meet deadlines but also maximise tax efficiency and stay ahead of upcoming changes.
👉 Register for Self Assessment with HMRC before 5 October — and let BS Associate guide you every step of the way.
