Register for Self Assessment if you're not self-employed
When to register
You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October 2026 if you have not sent a tax return before. You could get a penalty if you do not.
You need to send your tax return by 11:59pm on 31 January 2027 if you register on or before 5 October 2026.
If you register after 5 October 2026, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will send you an email or letter confirming the deadline for sending your tax return.
Register online
You need to sign in to register. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them when you sign in for the first time.
You’ll be told when you sign in if you need to prove your identity. This is to keep your details safe and usually involves using a photo ID like a passport or driving licence.
You can save your progress and come back to finish registering later.
You cannot register online if you do not live in the UK.
If you cannot register online
You can register by post. You’ll need:
- your personal details
- information about why you need to complete a tax return (for example, because you need to pay Capital Gains Tax or you receive income from a trust)
Register by post
Fill in form SA1.
Print and post it to HMRC, using the postal address shown on the form.
After you’ve registered
HMRC will give you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
If you registered online
Your UTR will be in your personal tax account within 72 hours of registering. If you do not already have a personal tax account, you’ll get one as part of registering.
If you registered by post
You’ll usually get your UTR by post in 15 working days (21 days if you’re abroad), but it may take longer during busy periods.
You’ll be able to get it sooner if you have a personal tax account or the HMRC app.
If you have not received your UTR within 15 (or 21 days), you can check when to expect it.
What you must do next
You must:
- send your Self Assessment tax return by the deadline
- pay your Self Assessment tax bill by 11:59pm on 31 January 2027 - you can estimate your Self Assessment tax bill to work out how much tax you are likely to pay
Your answers
- 1. Why do you need to send a Self Assessment tax return?
- For another reason (for example, you have income from a pension or a property)
- Change 1. Why do you need to send a Self Assessment tax return?
- 2. Did you send a tax return last year?
- No, I'm registering for the first time
- Change 2. Did you send a tax return last year?