Why it pays to file your tax return early

1. Allows sufficient preparation time

If you’ve never completed a self-assessment in any form, the first thing you need is a ten-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) code. If you are completing the tax return yourself you will also need to set up your Government Online Gateway account (for clients we will take care of this). Your UTR can take some time to be sent to you (HMRC recommend that you give yourself at least 20 working days to receive your number), so starting early means that you give yourself time.

Also if you are providing your paperwork to us to complete your return, we’ll have time to set ourselves up with HMRC as your authorised agents and if there is any further information we need, you will have time to retrieve and send this to us.

2. Eases your cash flow

Filing your self-assessment sooner will give you more notice on the tax that will be due, so you can make plans to ease your cash flow by making provisions over the next few months.

3. Allows you to consider tax planning

There are a wide range of reliefs and/or exemptions available, but if you leave your self-assessment to the last minute it doesn’t give you time to review these, and/or discuss their suitability with your tax advisor. You can find a full wide range of such tax planning ideas in our latest Tax Tips Guide here.

4. Speeds up tax refunds (but not tax bills)

The good news about filing early is that you may be able to access tax refunds sooner without the worry of tax payments coming any sooner. The tax payment dates will remain the same regardless of when you file. Therefore, again this potentially creates more cash flow advantages.

5. Helps you avoid mistakes

Mistakes and errors in your tax return can attract penalty fines as well as attention from the taxman, and a tax investigation can be a drawn out and stressful process if you are targeted. Giving yourself plenty of time means that you will not need to rush, can pull together all your receipts and can contact a professional for advice if you have any queries.

6. Avoids late filing fines

Leaving your filing until the eleventh hour puts you at a greater risk of missing the deadline entirely. Penalty fines for late filing can range from £100 to 100% of your tax bill (effectively meaning you pay your tax twice over), so it really is worth making sure you allow sufficient preparation time.

7. Helps you select the right tax advisor

As the tax deadline approaches you may find that many tax advisors are already engaged and focused on completing their clients returns, with less time to take on new work. This might mean that you are left with a limited choice of tax advisors or face having to pay a premium for their service. Organising your tax work early means that you will have time to make the right choice, and for them to get to know you and vice versa before starting on your tax work.