Your returnReady
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Nineteen things, grouped. Most people have them already; the ones that take time are the UTR and the Government Gateway login, so start there.
0 of 19 ready
Who you are
0 of 3Money in
0 of 6Money out
0 of 4Last year and other things
0 of 6Ticks are remembered on this device only. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Getting a UTR for the first time
Four steps, and the first one has a date on it.
Register with HMRC by 5 October
If you had self-employment or rental income in a tax year, register for Self Assessment by 5 October after that tax year ends. For income in 2025/26, that is 5 October 2026. Register at GOV.UK under "Register for Self Assessment".
Your UTR arrives by post
HMRC posts your ten-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference within about ten working days, or twenty-one if you live abroad. It also appears in the HMRC app once issued.
Then switch it on and file.
Activate your online account
A separate activation code follows by post. Enter it once in your Government Gateway account and Self Assessment is switched on.
Then file by 31 January
The online return and the tax are both due by 31 January after the tax year. Swiftmore files through HMRC's connection once you authorise it, and keeps the submission reference with your return.
Then let the records do the work.
Once the UTR and the Government Gateway login are sorted, the rest is records. Upload a bank statement or spreadsheet, snap your receipts, answer the few lines it can’t place, and the return is written from them.
Start free£99 when you file. No card to start.
Start freeFree to keep records. £99 for a tax year you read and file. No card to start.