It is important to note that the individual taxpayer is responsible for registering for self assessment, not HMRC, so do not expect to receive a notification or reminder that registration is required.

There are penalties for a failure to register with HMRC by 5 October and this applies to anyone who needs to complete a self assessment tax return, both online and on paper, for the first time to cover the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

Taxpayers need to file a completed self assessment return by 31 January 2025 for tax year 2023-24.