Tax Season Starts Now: How to File Early and Stay Stress-Free
If you read our August blog, you’ll know that getting organised early can save you a world of stress later.
Now that September’s here, it’s time to turn that prep into action, and get ahead on your Self Assessment.
The January deadline might seem far away, but filing early comes with more benefits than just avoiding a last-minute rush.
Why File Your Tax Return Early?
You’ll know exactly what you owe
No more guessing, you’ll have a confirmed figure to work with.You can spread the cost
Filing early doesn’t mean you pay early (the bill is still due in January), but it gives you more time to save.You’ll avoid HMRC’s January queue
January is peak chaos for HMRC phone lines and online systems. Filing early means you skip the worst of it.You’ll have peace of mind
Start the year without tax worries hanging over you.
Steps to File Early Without Stress
1. Gather Your Paperwork
You’ll need:
Income records (sales invoices, bank statements)
Expense receipts
Details of any additional income (rent, investments, side hustles)
P60 or P45 if you were employed during the year
If you’ve been following our August checklist, most of this should already be organised.
2. Check Your MTD Requirements
If you’re VAT-registered, you should already be compliant with Making Tax Digital rules.
From April 2026, sole traders earning over £50,000 will also have to follow MTD for Income Tax - submitting quarterly returns using digital software.
Starting now means you can:
Learn the system without pressure
Avoid last-minute tech headaches
Get into a simple, repeatable routine
3. Run a Mid-Year Review
If you’re partway through your financial year, take a moment to check:
Is your profit in line with your expectations?
Do you need to adjust your tax savings plan?
Are there any expenses you can claim that you’ve missed?
This is also a great time to ask your bookkeeper for advice on cash flow and budgeting.
4. Get Professional Help Early
Bookkeepers and accountants are busiest in the run-up to January. If you need help with:
Catching up on your books
Filing your Self Assessment
Understanding your tax bill
…now is the time to get in touch.
Final Thought
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. By acting now, you can take control of your finances, plan ahead for payments, and enter the new year feeling calm and confident.
Need help filing early?
We offer friendly, no-jargon tax return support - whether you need a quick check or full Self Assessment filing.
Contact us today and let’s make this the year you skip the January panic.
