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Self Assessment Paper Return Deadline: October 31st

The Accounted Tax Team·17 March 2026·1 min read

If you choose to file a paper Self Assessment return, the deadline is 31 October — three months earlier than the online deadline of 31 January.

Why the Earlier Deadline?

Paper returns take HMRC longer to process. The earlier deadline gives them time to calculate your tax and send you a statement before the 31 January payment date.

Who Should Use Paper?

Very few people. Online filing is faster, easier, and gives you an instant tax calculation. Paper is only used by those who cannot access the internet or have specific circumstances preventing online filing.

Our Recommendation

File online. It gives you three extra months, instant confirmation, and automatic error checking. Better still, use software like Accounted that handles the filing for you.

Stop dreading your Self Assessment. Accounted tracks everything throughout the year so January is just a click, not a crisis. Try it free.

TagsSelf AssessmentPaper ReturnOctober DeadlineHMRCFiling
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The Accounted Tax Team

Tax & Compliance Specialists

Our tax specialists have decades of combined experience in UK sole trader and small business taxation, MTD compliance, and HMRC submissions. All content is reviewed against current HMRC guidance before publication and updated quarterly to reflect legislative changes.

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Self Assessment Paper Return Deadline: October 31st | Accounted Blog