Millions of people may need need to check if they need to submit a tax return.
Millions of people may need to submit a tax return (Image: Getty)
HMRC are encouraging millions of Brits to urgently check if they might need to submit a tax return. The appeal has been made as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released new guidance on submitting tax returns.
The tax authority has provided an updated online tool to help people know whether they need to complete a Self Assessment return for the 2025-26 tax year. HMRC warns that people may need to submit a return if they have started working for themselves, become a landlord, or received additional earnings outside of their main job.
People with side hustles or freelance work may need to submit a tax return (Image: Getty)
This follows a surge in the number of people taking on second jobs, selling items online or renting out spare rooms to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living.
In a post on social media, a HMRC spokesperson said: “Unsure if you might need to complete a tax return? Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return.”
The online checker covers the tax year from April 6, 2025, to April 5, 2026. It asks users a series of questions about their income and personal circumstances, reports GlasgowLive.
People may need to complete a HMRC return if they are:
- Newly self-employed
- A landlord
- A new partner in a business partnership
- Earning more than £1,000 from a side hustle
The tax authority has particularly drawn attention to those who earn income from online sales or renting out parts of their property. Current rules allow people to earn up to £1,000 per year from self-employed work before potentially needing to register for Self Assessment under the trading allowance regulations.
People doing freelance work may need to contact HMRC (Image: Getty)
Once income goes above a certain limit, people will need to notify HMRC and may have to complete a tax return. Those potentially affected include individuals regularly selling goods online via platforms such as eBay, Vinted, Etsy and Depop, especially if they’re buying items specifically to resell for profit rather than simply clearing out unwanted possessions.
Other groups who may be impacted include dog walkers, babysitters, cleaners, gardeners, delivery drivers, taxi drivers, tutors, fitness instructors and tradespeople carrying out work outside their main employment.
The rules could also apply to those generating extra income through social media and digital platforms, including influencers, YouTubers, content creators and those earning commission via affiliate marketing. Freelancers working in graphic design, photography, writing, web design or consultancy alongside a salaried job may also need to register.
Property owners may need to submit a return if they’re receiving rental income from a buy-to-let property, holiday let or by renting out rooms in their home beyond the tax-free allowance thresholds. Self Assessment is the system HMRC employs to gather Income Tax from people whose income isn’t automatically deducted via PAYE.
Aside from the self-employed and property landlords, tax returns are generally needed for high earners with more complex finances, business partners and certain individuals with investment income.
Anyone who fails to register or file their returns by the deadline could be hit with fines and interest charges. HMRC has said that the online tool won’t share any personal information with the tax authority and can be used for free.
The checker is accessible on the Government website and aims to help people swiftly determine whether they need to act before upcoming filing deadlines. Additional information can be found here.
