Quick Overview

Self-Assessment is how individuals — including many company directors — report personal income to HMRC and pay any Income Tax due. It's separate from Corporation Tax, which is paid by the company itself on its profits.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for company directors who want to understand whether, and when, they need to file a personal Self-Assessment return.

What You May Need

  • Details of any salary or dividends received from the company
  • Records of any other personal income (freelance work, rental income, and so on)
  • A Self-Assessment account registered with HMRC

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Check whether you need to register. Directors receiving dividends or untaxed income often need to register for Self-Assessment.
  2. Register with HMRC if you haven't already, ahead of the relevant deadline.
  3. Gather your income records for the tax year, including salary, dividends and any other income.
  4. Complete and file your return online through your HMRC account.
  5. Pay any Income Tax due by the payment deadline.

Important Considerations

Not every director automatically needs to file a Self-Assessment return — it depends on your personal income sources. Dividends and salary are taxed differently, so it's worth understanding how each is treated, or getting support from an accountant.

This guide provides general information only and is not personalised tax advice.