Let’s be honest—filing a Self Assessment tax return probably isn’t on anyone’s list of favourite things to do. It’s one of those tasks that tends to sit on the back burner until January rolls around, bringing with it that familiar last-minute rush. But what if we told you there’s a better way?

At BM & Co Accountants, we’re big believers in working smarter, not harder—and that goes for taxes too. Filing your Self Assessment return early doesn’t just tick a box—it gives you more time, less stress, and greater control over your finances. In fact, getting your return done in the summer months could completely change how you feel about tax season.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why early filing is a smart move and how it can make life easier—whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, company director, or anyone else who needs to submit a Self Assessment.

1. Avoid the January Panic

Let’s start with the obvious one: stress. Leaving your tax return until the January deadline might seem harmless at first, but when the calendar flips over to the new year, the pressure starts to build. Suddenly, it’s a race to find receipts, dig out records, and make sense of income and expenses.

By filing in the summer, you skip all that. You’ll have time to breathe, gather everything you need without pressure, and submit your return calmly and confidently. No more late nights staring at spreadsheets. No more worrying if HMRC will fine you for filing late. You’re ahead of the game—and that feels good.

2. Know Your Tax Bill Sooner

One of the biggest benefits of early filing is knowing exactly where you stand. As soon as your return is submitted, you’ll get a clear picture of how much tax you owe (or how much you’re due back, if you’ve overpaid).

This gives you time to plan. If you owe tax, you can set money aside gradually between now and the payment deadline in January. It’s far better than scrambling to find the full amount right after the holidays, when expenses are already high.

On the flip side, if you’re owed a refund, getting your return in early means getting your money back faster.

3. Get Any Refunds Early

Let’s talk about refunds. If HMRC owes you money, wouldn’t you rather have it sooner rather than later? Early filers usually receive refunds much faster—sometimes within a couple of weeks.

We’ve had clients use their summer refunds to pay for family holidays, reinvest in their business, or simply top up their savings. Whatever your plans, it’s a nice bonus to have that money back when you need it most.

4. Reduce Payments on Account (If Your Income Has Dropped)

If your income has fallen compared to the previous tax year, filing early can help reduce your next Payment on Account. These are advance payments HMRC asks for if you’re self-employed or have significant untaxed income.

Here’s how it works: when you file early, HMRC sees your new (lower) income figures and can reduce your July payment accordingly. That could save you thousands—and help you manage your cash flow during slower months.

5. More Time to Get Expert Advice

Accountants tend to get swamped from December through January. If you’ve ever tried to get last-minute help during the peak Self Assessment period, you’ll know what we mean.

By reaching out early, you benefit from more personalised support, quicker turnaround times, and a chance to talk through your finances in depth. At BM & Co, we love working with early birds—it gives us time to really add value, spot tax-saving opportunities, and help you plan ahead.

6. Need a Mortgage? File Early for Proof of Income

Thinking of buying a house or applying for a loan? Lenders usually ask for your most recent tax return as proof of income. The earlier you file, the faster you’ll have those documents ready.

We’ve worked with clients who were able to secure their mortgage much more quickly simply because they’d already submitted their tax return. In a competitive housing market, that time saved can make all the difference.

7. Beat the HMRC Queues

Have you ever tried calling HMRC in January? The hold times can be brutal. With millions of people submitting returns at the same time, HMRC’s phone lines and online systems are under pressure.

When you file in the summer, it’s a different story. Wait times are shorter, responses are quicker, and you’re far more likely to get through to a real human without too much hassle. If any issues crop up, they can be resolved without the stress of a looming deadline.

8. Create Better Financial Habits

Filing early doesn’t just help this year—it sets you up for success in future years too. When you get into the habit of early filing, tax season becomes a lot less intimidating. You know what to expect, your records are better organised, and the process feels more routine.

It’s a great way to build stronger financial habits, and it often spills over into other areas of your finances—like budgeting, saving, and planning ahead.

9. Enjoy Your Winter Without the Tax Deadline Hanging Over You

Imagine enjoying your December without the Self Assessment deadline looming over you. You’ve done the hard part months ago, and now you’re free to focus on your business, your family, and the festive season.

Whether you want to take time off, run end-of-year promotions, or simply wind down, you can do so without that nagging feeling of “I really should be doing my tax return.”

10. Take Stock of Your Finances

Filing early gives you the breathing room to reflect on your year. Are you hitting your financial goals? Could you be claiming more expenses? Are there opportunities to grow or restructure?

Rather than rushing to meet a deadline, you can take time to review your numbers and make informed decisions about the year ahead. Many of our clients treat this as a mini financial review—and we’re here to help them get the most out of it.

11. Feel a Sense of Achievement

Let’s be honest: ticking off your Self Assessment in July or August just feels good. It’s one of those jobs that people dread, and when it’s done, you get a real sense of accomplishment.

That sense of control and confidence can carry through into the rest of your business or personal life. It’s a small win that makes a big difference.

What Our Clients Say

We’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and small business owners who’ve made the switch to early filing—and they don’t look back. Here’s what a few of them have told us:

“This was the first year I didn’t have to think about tax over Christmas. It was such a relief.”
“I got my refund back in two weeks and used it to upgrade some of my kit—win-win.”
“BM & Co made the whole process so easy. I sent in my info in May and had my return filed before summer even started.”

So, Why Wait?

Self Assessment doesn’t have to be stressful, and it doesn’t have to be last-minute. By filing early, you’re not only avoiding the chaos—you’re giving yourself the time and clarity to manage your finances on your terms.

At BM & Co Accountants, we’re here to make the process straightforward, supportive, and stress-free. Whether you’re new to Self Assessment or just want to improve the way you handle it, we’d love to help.

Ready to get started? Let’s get your tax return done early so you can enjoy the rest of the year with confidence.

Contact BM & Co Accountants today to book your Self Assessment review.

Need more information? Visit HMRC’s Self Assessment guidance or get in touch with us directly—we’re happy to explain anything you’re unsure about.

File early. Relax early. And discover how tax season can actually work in your favour.