Updating post from Reddit.
Hi guys, I bought a property in August 2023 and started receiving rental in around September October 2023. I haven't registered myself and declared my income yet as my brother said I have until 31st of Jan 2025 to do this.
I'm really confused, can someone advise me on what I need to do and if my brother has now landed me in trouble as I've read it needs to be done before October?
You needed to register by 5th October and then complete the tax return, and pay what's owing, by 31st January.
I haven't done that, what shall I do?
Register now and ensure you submit a tax return online by 31 Jan 25 (which is also the date by which you’ll need to pay any tax due).
They’re unlikely to come after you for registering late, but they won’t be happy if you submit your return and payment late.
Okay, I want to do that ASAP. Just a bit confused on the part where they ask me how long I've been staying at my (parents) address for. I was in Germany for a year and a half and have just returned in August this year. Shall I write from August 2024 or my previous date (all my UK letters were still being sent to my parents)
Just answer the questions honestly.
From the date you started living there - so August - and provide other info if you are asked further questions.
You'll need complete a self assessment form for the period April 2023 to March 2024. The online form is free and slick. You can claim expenses or £1,000 whichever is higher, as a deduction against income. Take your time filling the form, you don't have to do it in one go. Read the notes. Submit the form and let the HMRC work out how much tax you owe. This takes a few days. Then pay the tax online. Don't leave it, start the form now. There's a fine for not paying by 31st January, but as I say allow plenty of time to fill in the self assessment form and for reading the notes.
My brother has an accountant that's going to help me hopefully
I wouldn't call it an accountant job. Set aside some time and read up on the process. The least you could do is fill in the online self assessment form up to the point of clicking "submit", before deciding to pay an accountant. You'll be lucky to find an accountant who can do it before the deadline.
Id really do this yourself as you can follow instructions online immediately. You really dont need an accountant. But as others have said, youve already missed the registration deadline (no your not going to be hung drawn and quatered for it….you should see what other landlords get up to) but do it asap, and once registration is done for self assessment p, its actually quite simole to complete the tax return. If you’re late on both, just put a very apologetic note on your return explaining youre a newbie. HMRC are actually very helpful, and will just be grateful youre actually doing it now. Use their helpline if you need to and just be up front about the situation. Itll be fine.
Get a accountant