Register for and file your Self Assessment tax return

1. File your tax return online

You can use the online service to:

  • fill in and send your tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • go back to a tax return you’ve already started
  • check your details, view returns and print your tax calculation

You need to register again if you already have a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) but didn’t send a tax return last year.

If you’re filing online for the first time

Before you can sign in you must:

  • have your UTR – you’ll find your UTR on the registration letter HMRC sent you
  • enrol for the online service (you can do this when you create a Government Gateway account)
  • activate the service using the code you’ll be sent in the post

Sign in using Government Gateway

You’ll need to enter the user ID and password you got when you signed up to the Self Assessment online service.

Sign in

Sign in using GOV.UK Verify

You can also sign in with GOV.UK Verify. If you haven’t used GOV.UK Verify before, it will take you about 15 minutes to get set up. You can then use it to access other government services securely.

If you haven’t told HMRC you need to send a return

There are different ways to register for Self Assessment if you’re:

You should allow enough time to complete the registration process so you can send your return by the deadline.

When you can’t use the service

You need to use other software or download other forms to send a Self Assessment tax return:

  • for a partnership
  • for a trust or estate
  • if you lived abroad as a non-resident
  • if you get income from a trust, you’re a Lloyd’s underwriter or a religious minister

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

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