HMRC Self Assessment online service

Spec sheet

Purpose

Self Assessment is HMRC’s system for collecting Income Tax, and people and businesses with other income report it through a tax return.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Free plan

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Security

HMRC says online filing is more secure than paper filing and may ask users to prove their identity to keep their details safe.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Support

HMRC offers online technical support and phone help for sign-in, registration and submission problems; phone waiting times can be up to 45 minutes.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Account features

Users can view previous returns, check their details and amount owed, print their tax calculation, and sign up for paperless notifications.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Guidance

The online return includes help text for sections including self-employment, employment, pensions, property and capital gains.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Investment income

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Mobile access

web_onlyRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Permission controls

Permission for compatible software to access HMRC information lasts 18 months and users can check or withdraw it at any time.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Rental income

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Return coverage limit

The service cannot file returns for partnerships, trusts or estates, non-residents, or several other listed situations; HMRC directs those users to commercial software or other forms.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Save and resume

Users can save a return and return to it later instead of completing it in one sitting.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Self-employment support

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Sign-in requirements

Users need sign-in details and a Unique Taxpayer Reference, and may be asked to prove their identity using photo ID.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Software data access

Some compatible commercial Self Assessment software can retrieve PAYE, taxable benefits, self-employed National Insurance and Marriage Allowance details from HMRC with the user’s permission.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

State filing

noneRead 22 Sep 2026 · gov.uk

Welsh language

The online filing service is also available in Welsh.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Who can use it

The online filing service is for self-employed people and people who must send a tax return for other reasons, such as rental income.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gov.uk

Plans and prices

Every HMRC Self Assessment online service plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Tax Software#70 of 1497.9
• Personal Tax Software#75 of 1237.7