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October 2026 Tax Deadlines: What Self-Employed Workers and Landlords Need to Know

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Introduction

Meeting HMRC deadlines is an essential part of managing your tax affairs. For self-employed workers, landlords and other individuals required to complete Self Assessment, October is an important month.

Understanding which deadlines apply to your circumstances can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and resolve outstanding registration or filing requirements.

If you need professional support with your tax obligations, RZR Accountants can help you organise your financial records and manage your Self Assessment requirements.

Key Self Assessment deadlines

5 October 2026 — registration: This was the standard deadline to notify HMRC if you needed to register for Self Assessment for the 2025/26 tax year and had not previously been registered.

31 October 2026 — paper tax returns: HMRC must receive a paper return for the 2025/26 tax year by this date.

30 December 2026 — certain tax-code payments: This is the deadline for submitting an online return if you want HMRC to collect eligible tax owed through your PAYE tax code.

31 January 2027 — online filing and payment: This is the standard deadline for submitting your 2025/26 online return and paying the tax due.

What if you missed a deadline?

If you missed the 5 October registration deadline, contact HMRC promptly. Where you register after the deadline, HMRC may issue a different filing deadline, but the usual payment deadline still applies.

Late filing can trigger an initial £100 penalty, with further penalties possible if the return remains outstanding. Interest and late-payment penalties may also apply to unpaid tax.

Working with an accountant can help you understand your filing obligations and plan ahead. RZR Accountants provides support with Self Assessment tax returns, helping individuals manage their tax reporting responsibilities.

How to stay organised

Keep records of income, allowable expenses, rental income, relevant invoices and other supporting documents. Allow sufficient time to prepare and review your return before submitting it.

Need help with Self Assessment?

RZR Accountants can help you organise your records, prepare your tax return and meet your reporting obligations. Get in touch to discuss our accounting and tax services and how we can support you.