Starting your own business can feel exciting, but it also comes with a few new responsibilities. One of the first things you may need to do is complete your Self Assessment registration with HMRC. The good news is that HMRC has now launched an improved online registration service, making the process quicker and easier for people registering for the first time.
The new service launched in September 2026 and includes several improvements designed to make registration simpler. So, if you have recently become self-employed, now is a good time to check whether you need to register.
What has changed with Self Assessment registration?
HMRC has streamlined its online registration service for people who need to register for Self Assessment for the first time.
The new service includes:
- Pre-populated information, so you do not have to enter information HMRC already holds.
- Save and return functionality, meaning you can save your progress and come back to it later without losing your information.
- Online support, with signposting to help while you complete the registration.
- Confirmation by email or text once your registration is complete.
- Faster UTRs, with your Unique Taxpayer Reference available in your online account within 72 hours instead of waiting up to 15 days for it to arrive by post.
As a result, registering for Self Assessment should be much less of a hassle than it has been in the past.
Do I need to register for Self Assessment?
If you have recently become self-employed, you may need to register for Self Assessment.
For example, if you are a sole trader and your gross trading income was more than £1,000 during the 2025/26 tax year, you will normally need to register. There are also other reasons you may need to complete a tax return, including receiving certain types of untaxed income or becoming a partner in a business partnership.
If you are unsure, HMRC has an online checker that can help you work out whether you need to submit a tax return.
When do I need to register?
If you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the first time for the 2025/26 tax year, you need to notify HMRC by 5 October 2026.
This is important because you cannot simply complete your tax return first and register afterwards. If you are filing a Self Assessment return for the first time, you need to register before you can submit it.
Therefore, if you have recently started working for yourself, do not leave your registration until the last minute.
Why you should not wait until January
January might seem a long way away, but there is no reason to leave your tax return until the deadline.
You can submit your 2025/26 Self Assessment tax return from 6 April 2026, so you do not need to wait until January 2027.
In fact, filing early has several advantages.
Filing early can give you peace of mind
Once you have submitted your return, you know exactly where you stand. You can also see how much tax you owe, giving you more time to budget for the payment.
Importantly, filing early does not mean you have to pay your tax early. The payment deadline remains 31 January 2027.
You could receive a refund sooner
If you have overpaid tax and are due a refund, submitting your return earlier means you can potentially receive that money sooner.
You have more time to fix mistakes
Nobody wants to discover a problem with their tax return on 30 January. By filing early, you give yourself more time to check your figures, find missing information and correct any mistakes before the deadline.
You can avoid the January rush
January can be a busy month for everyone, especially if you are running a business. Getting your tax return sorted earlier means one less thing to worry about when the deadline approaches.
A new business? Don’t leave your tax return until January
The improved registration service makes getting started with Self Assessment easier. However, registering is only the first step.
If you have recently become self-employed, check whether you need to register and make sure you meet the 5 October 2026 registration deadline if it applies to you. Once you have your UTR, you can start preparing your tax return rather than waiting for January.
At JDH Accountants & Business Advisers, we can help take the stress out of Self Assessment, from getting your records organised to preparing and submitting your tax return. If you have recently become self-employed or simply want some help understanding what you need to do, get in touch with our friendly team to arrange an appointment.