UK Self Assessment for Freelancers: A 2026 Guide

If you're self-employed in the UK, HMRC expects you to report your income through Self Assessment. Here's how it works and what you'll actually pay.

Registering with HMRC

Once your self-employed income passes £1,000 in a tax year (the trading allowance), you must register for Self Assessment and file a tax return by the following 31 January.

What you'll pay

• Income tax — 0% up to the £12,570 personal allowance, then 20% (basic), 40% (higher) and 45% (additional).
• Class 4 National Insurance — a percentage of profits above the lower threshold.
• Class 2 NI — a small flat weekly amount for most self-employed people.

Estimate it instantly

Use our free UK Self Assessment tax calculator to see your income tax and NI in seconds.

Key dates

The UK tax year runs 6 April to 5 April. Online returns and payment are due 31 January, with a second payment on account on 31 July. MoneyFeed tracks your income and expenses and reminds you before each deadline.