Self Assessment deadlines for private hire drivers: 2025 to 2026

For the tax year 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. Print it, stick it on the fridge, tick things off. Every date is from GOV.UK, linked next to it.

The dates

5 October 2026: register, if it's your first return. You must tell HMRC by then if you need to send a return and haven't sent one before. If you register after that, HMRC gives you a deadline 3 months from its letter, but the tax is still due by 31 January 2027 (GOV.UK deadlines).
31 October 2026: paper returns. HMRC must receive a paper return by 11:59pm. Most drivers file online instead (GOV.UK deadlines).
30 December 2026: file online by now to pay through your tax code. Only if you want the bill collected through a PAYE tax code, for example from another job (GOV.UK deadlines).
31 January 2027: file online and pay. The online return and the tax you owe, both by 11:59pm. If you make payments on account, your first one for 2026 to 2027 is due the same day (GOV.UK deadlines, payments on account).
31 July 2027: second payment on account, if you make them (GOV.UK payments on account).

Have these ready

Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which HMRC sends when you register (GOV.UK registering).
Your records for the year: bank statements and receipts, which GOV.UK says you'll need to fill in the return correctly (GOV.UK).
Your total income: fares, and tips, which GOV.UK lists as untaxed income (GOV.UK).
Your business costs, such as fuel, insurance, repairs, hire charges and the business share of your phone bill (GOV.UK expenses).
Your business miles, if you use the flat mileage rate instead of actual costs (GOV.UK simplified expenses).

If you can't pay in full

You may be able to set up a payment plan with HMRC to pay in monthly instalments. File your return on time anyway: a late return brings its own penalty, starting at £100 (GOV.UK payment plans, penalties).

More detail: the Self Assessment guide for drivers, and what to do if you miss the deadline. Keep your records as you go with the free income tracker. Want more than dates? The £9.99 first-year tax pack adds a receipts routine, what drivers usually claim, and renting your car through your firm.