Do I need to complete a tax return?
07th November 2025
Reviewed by RIFT's Assistant Operations Manager, Helen Lambkin
Reviewed by Helen Lambkin Helen Lambkin LinkedIn
Helen has been part of the RIFT family for over 12 years, and for the last 8 years, she’s been serving as our Assistant Operations Manager. She’s the go-to person for making sure the team is fully...
Read More about Helen LambkinA lot of people assume a self-Assessment tax return is just for the self-employed. But that’s not always the case. So, do you need to complete a tax return? If you earn untaxed income, have a side hustle, rent out property or earn over a certain threshold, you might need to file. The problem is, many people don’t realise it until it’s too late.
Thankfully, filing doesn’t have to be difficult. And it could even mean you’re owed money. At RIFT, we’ve helped thousands of people handle their tax returns the easy way. If you’re unsure where you stand, you’re in the right place.
What is a tax return?
A tax return is a form you use to tell HMRC about your income, expenses and anything else that affects your tax. If all your income is taxed automatically through PAYE, you probably don’t need to worry. But if you earn money that isn’t taxed at source, like from self-employment, renting out property or investments, HMRC expects you to file a tax return through the Self-Assessment system.
It’s not just about what you owe, either. Filing la tax return could actually mean you’re due a tax refund, especially if you’ve paid too much tax or are entitled to claim relief.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t panic. Our Self-Assessment tax return guide and tax calculator tools can help you make sense of it all.
Who needs to do a Self-Assessment tax return?
Not everyone has to file a tax return. But if any of the situations below apply to you, there’s a good chance you do. This is our quick breakdown of the most common reasons people need to use Self-Assessment.
Self-employed workers and freelancers
If you’re If you’re self-employed, run a side hustle or do freelance work, you’ll need to file a tax return if you earned more than £1,000 in the last tax year. That includes anything from dog walking to selling crafts online. It doesn’t matter how small the profit is. If you’ve gone over the threshold, HMRC will need a self-assessment for side income.
Landlords and people with rental income
Earning money from renting out a property, a room in your home or a holiday let? You might need to file it, even if you didn't make a big profit. This includes income from the Rent a Room Scheme or platforms like AirBnB. HMRC treats rental income like any other earnings, so you need to report it.
High earners over £100,000
If your total income is over £100,000, you have to file a tax return– even if you’re employed and already paying tax through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). That’s because your personal allowance starts to shrink above this level and you could owe more than what’s been automatically deducted. It catches a lot of people out, especially when it comes to bonuses and multiple income streams.
People with extra or untaxed income
Do you earn money outside your main job like dividends, crypto, foreign income or sales from eBay or Etsy? If it adds up to more than £1,000 a year, you might need to report it. This includes casual income like tutoring, delivery driving or renting out parking spaces. If tax hasn’t been taken off at source, you’re responsible for declaring it.
What happens if you don’t file a tax return?
Missing a tax return deadline can lead to automatic penalties, even if you didn’t owe any tax. HMRC issues a £100 fine the day after the deadline. Leave it three months and daily penalties of £10 kick in, up to £900. On top of that, you’ll pay interest on anything you owe until it’s settled.
Ignore it long enough and HMRC could open an investigation or take legal action. But don’t panic, you’ve got options to help you avoid Self-Assessment tax return penalties.
How to file a tax return
Filing a tax return is easier than you might think, especially if you’ve got the right help.
You can file online or by paper but the deadlines are different. Paper returns must reach HMRC by 31 October, while online returns are due by 31 January. If it’s your first time, make sure you register for Self-Assessment by 5 October.
To file, you’ll need documents like your P60, invoices and records of any income or expenses. HMRC’s system can guide you through it. Or you can get an expert to take care of it all for you.
How RIFT Refunds can help
If you’re still wondering whether you need to file a tax return, don’t leave it to chance. Missing deadlines can mean fines but getting it right could put money back in your pocket.
No matter if you’re self-employed, earning extra on the side or after some help with a tax return for landlords, we make the process simple and stress-free.
Still not sure if you need to file? Use our online tools or speak to one of our experts today. We'll help you work it out.
Self-Assessment tax returns FAQs
What happens if I don’t file a tax return?
You’ll get a £100 fine straight away, even if you don’t owe tax. After three months, daily penalties of £10 can kick in, plus interest on anything unpaid. Ignoring it could lead to HMRC investigations or legal action. Learn more about penalties for not filing a tax return here.
Can I file a tax return myself?
If your tax situation is simple, HMRC’s online system can walk you through it. But if you’ve got multiple income sources or want peace of mind, getting expert help can save time, stress and money. We make the whole thing easy from start to finish.
What documents do I need for a tax return?
You’ll need your income records, like a P60 if employed, invoices if self-employed and any details of expenses, benefits or rental income. Keeping things organised makes filing quicker and helps you avoid mistakes or missed claims.
Do I need to file if I’m employed?
Your employer usually handles tax through PAYE. But if you earn extra income over £1,000, get Child Benefit and earn over £50,000, or make over £100,000 in total, you’ll likely need to file. Learn more about PAYE here.
How do I register for Self-Assessment?
You can register online through HMRC’s website. You’ll need your National Insurance number and other personal details. If it’s your first time, make sure you register by 5 October in the tax year you need to file for.
When is the deadline for Self-Assessment?
The deadline for paper returns is 31 October, while online returns are due by 31 January. Miss those dates and you risk fines, even if your return is straightforward or you don’t owe anything.
How do I know if I’m due a tax refund?
If you’ve overpaid tax through PAYE, Self-Assessment or business expenses, you might be owed money. The only way to know for sure is to run the numbers. Use our tax calculators or speak to our experts to check what you’re entitled to.
