Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Self Assessment deadlines

The dates to know for the 2025/26 tax year, who needs to file and what happens if you are late.

The key dates for 2025/26

The 2025/26 tax year ended on 5 April 2026. The dates for that year's return are below.

Dates

5 October 2026: register for Self Assessment if you have not filed before.
31 October 2026: deadline for a paper tax return.
30 December 2026: file online by this date if you want HMRC to collect a small bill through your tax code.
31 January 2027: deadline to file online and to pay what you owe.
31 July 2027: second payment on account, if you pay in instalments.

Who needs to file

Self-employed people, with more than £1,000 of gross trading income, see side hustle tax.
People who earn over £100,000.
Landlords with rental income over the threshold.
People who must pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, see Child Benefit over £60,000.
People with capital gains to report, see the Capital Gains Tax calculator.

Use the GOV.UK checker if you are unsure.

Payments on account

If your bill is more than £1,000 and less than 80% of your tax is collected at source, HMRC asks you to pay in advance. You pay two instalments, each half of last year's bill, on 31 January and 31 July. Any difference is settled with the next 31 January payment.

What happens if you are late

A late filing penalty starts at £100, even if you owe no tax, and further penalties and interest build up the longer it goes on. If you cannot pay in full, contact HMRC early about a payment plan.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax or financial advice.