Let’s be honest, the last thing anyone wants to think about before going on their summer holiday is doing their tax return. With the sun shinning it's easy to shut the laptop and forget about it.
So many of us leave doing our tax returns to the last minute, panicking about getting it done by the January deadline. Trying to remember where all the files are and what on earth that receipt from over a year ago was for! 1.1 Million people missed the deadline in 2025 alone!
But, imagine stepping into the New Year without the stress of looming HMRC deadlines. Sounds good, right?
That peace of mind is entirely possible, if you act NOW!
The Summer Advantage
Summer is typically a quieter period for many business owners and individuals. Work slows down, clients take holidays, and there’s sometimes more breathing room in the diary. It’s the perfect opportunity to tackle your personal tax return early, before the rush hits and deadlines start looming.
Here’s 5 reasons why getting it done now is a smart move:
1. Avoid the last-minute panic
An estimated 1.1 million people failed to submit their tax return before the 31st January deadline in 2025. This leads to a penalty of at least £100 even if there is no tax to pay! There were more than 31,000 people who submitted their returns with less than an hour before the deadline. This rush can lead to mistakes, missed allowances, or forgotten paperwork. By doing it now, you have time on your side to gather documents, ask questions, and ensure everything is accurate.
2. Know what you owe (and budget accordingly!)
Submitting your tax return early doesn’t mean you have to pay HMRC straight away, but it does mean you’ll know exactly what you owe, giving you months to plan, budget, or make tax-saving contributions before the payment deadline. This is especially helpful if your tax bill is higher than expected.
Set a reminder in your calendar to pay any taxes you owe to avoid penalties
3. Speed up any refunds
If you’ve overpaid tax, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your money back. Why let HMRC hold on to your refund when it could be earning interest in your account (or helping to fund that summer getaway!)
4. Access support without the queue
Tax advisors and accountants are usually far less busy over the summer months.
Wait until December or January, and you’ll be joining the back of a long line of last-minute filers. By acting now, you’ll get quicker support and more attention on your return, and likely save yourself the worry of missing the deadline.
5. Free up your mental space
Tax returns hanging over your head can feel like a constant mental burden. Clearing it now means you can truly relax and enjoy your summer, knowing you’re ahead of the game and one step closer to a more organised end to the year.
Let Haines Watts help you get ahead
We’re here to take the stress out of tax, whether it’s your first or fifteenth return. Our teams can help you gather the right information, identify savings opportunities, and submit your return with confidence.
So don’t wait until the January rush. Get in touch today and give yourself the gift of a stress-free summer. Want help with your tax return? Contact your local Haines Watts office to get started today.
