Self Assessment
Self Assessment is the system HMRC uses to collect tax from people whose tax is not taken at source. You report your income and costs once a year and pay what falls out, by 31 January.
Correct for the 2026/27 tax year. Last checked 12/09/2026.
A PAYE employee has tax deducted before they are paid. A self-employed driver is paid in full and settles up afterwards, which is why the money has to be set aside as you go.
The dates that matter
| Date | What is due |
|---|---|
| 5 October | Register, if you started in the tax year that just ended |
| 31 October | Paper return, if you file on paper |
| 30 December | Online return, if you want a small bill collected through a tax code |
| 31 January | Online return, and the balancing payment |
| 31 July | Second payment on account, where one is due |
Where to read more
Self Assessment for delivery drivers walks the whole return.
Sources
Related
Self Assessment for delivery drivers: the complete guide
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A payment on account is an advance instalment towards next year's tax bill. HMRC asks for them once your bill passes £1,000, in two halves, each equal to 50% of the year just filed.
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Taxable profit
Taxable profit is what you are taxed on: everything the platforms paid you, minus the costs HMRC allows you to deduct. It is almost never the same as what landed in your bank account.
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