Self Assessment Tax Return for Self-Employed and Freelancers: What HMRC Expects in 2025
In the UK, if you are self-employed or a freelancer, you are obliged to file a Self Assessment tax return. Nevertheless, thousands of citizens submit wrong returns every year and either miss the deadline or underestimate what HMRC expects of them.
Accuracy, digital records and transparency are also said to be even more important to HMRC in the year 2025. Irrespective of whether you are a sole trader, a contractor or have various income sources, the problem is to know what is required to save you time, stress, and unnecessary penalties.
This article is going to explain what HMRC is anticipating in 2025, how to stay compliant, as well as how professional assistance will make the whole procedure much easier.
Who Needs to File a SA Tax Return in 2025?
You’ll need to complete a Self Assessment tax return if you are:
- Self-employed or a sole trader
- A freelancer or contractor
- Earning income outside PAYE
- Running a side hustle or online business
- Receiving untaxed income such as rental income or overseas earnings
HMRC requires you to declare your income, however small or uneven it may be. It is the easiest error that freelancers commit to think that some income does not count – it does.
What HMRC Expects from Self-Employed Taxpayers in 2025
HMRC’s expectations are becoming clearer — and stricter — each year. In 2025, the focus is on:
Accurate income reporting
All income must be declared, including cash payments, freelance gigs, and side work.
Clear, well-kept records
HMRC expects organised records showing income, expenses, and supporting evidence.
Correct expense claims
Only allowable business expenses can be claimed, and they must be justifiable.
Digital compliance
Online filing is the standard, and HMRC is increasingly using data-matching tools to spot errors.
Mistakes or omissions — even unintentional ones — can lead to penalties, interest charges, or enquiries.
Key Self Assessment Deadlines You Must Know
Missing deadlines is one of the fastest ways to get into trouble with HMRC. For the 2024–25 tax year, keep these dates in mind:
- 5 October 2025 – Deadline for registering for Self Assessment (if new)
- 31 January 2026 – Deadline for filing tax return online
- 31 January & 31 July – Payment on Account deadlines (if applicable)
Late submissions automatically trigger penalties, even if you don’t owe tax.
How to File Self Assessment Tax Return: A Simple Overview
You must know the right procedure of filling the Self Assessment tax return particularly when it is your first time.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Register with HMRC
If you’re new to self-employment, you must register before filing. - Gather your records
This includes income invoices, bank statements, expense receipts, and mileage logs. - Complete the online SA100 form
You’ll report income, expenses, and any additional sources of earnings. - Review everything carefully
Small errors can lead to HMRC follow-ups or overpaying tax. - Submit and pay what’s owed
After filing, make sure that you pay your tax bill (and Payments on Account) on time.
Although the steps may appear easy, most freelancers lack accuracy, classifications and allowable deductions.
Common Self Assessment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Self-employed individuals often fall into the same traps year after year, including:
- Forgetting to declare all income streams
- Claiming personal expenses as business costs
- Missing deadlines due to poor planning
- Misunderstanding Payments on Account
- Relying on estimates instead of actual figures
These errors are easy to make when you’re busy running a business — but they can be costly.
What Expenses Can You Claim in 2025?
Claiming the right expenses can significantly reduce your tax bill — but only if done correctly.
Common allowable expenses include:
- Office costs and software subscriptions
- Business travel and mileage
- Equipment and tools
- Phone and internet (business portion only)
- Home office costs (where applicable)
HMRC expects expenses to be reasonable, relevant, and supported by records. Overclaiming or guessing figures can quickly raise red flags.
Why Use Professional Self Assessment Tax Return Services?
It may appear like saving some money to do your own tax return, however in the long-term many freelancers have found themselves paying a lot of money because of mistakes or exemptions they did not claim.
Reliable Self Assessment Tax Return Services help you:
- Be completely adherent to HMRC regulations.
- Avoid penalties and late filing charges
- Save time and reduce stress
- Ensure accurate expense claims
- Gain confidence that everything is done correctly
The professional assistance can be particularly helpful when you have numerous sources of income, when your expenses are not straightforward, or when you simply do not have time.
How MyiVA Helps Self-Employed and Freelancers
MyiVA provides dedicated support tailored specifically for self-employed individuals and freelancers across the UK.
With MyiVA, you benefit from:
- Expert guidance through the entire Self Assessment process
- Accurate, compliant tax return preparation
- Freelancer, contractor and sole trader support.
- Peace of mind for your return has met the HMRC’s 2025 expectations.
MyiVA allows you to eliminate the confusion and stress, whether this is your first filing or you just want to have a more comfortable experience.
Final Thoughts: File Smart, Stay Compliant in 2025
HMRC does not relax its rules – and to the self-employed, nothing has been more crucial than ensuring that Self Assessment is done correctly.
Stress, penalties, and expensive mistakes can be avoided through knowledge of what HMRC requires, proper records, and professional assistance where necessary.
In case you wish to have a more carefree and more assured way of assessing yourself in 2025, then employing the services of such experienced professionals as MyiVA can make the difference.
