skip to main content
Search

Completing a Self Assessment or Final Declaration

How Self Assessment tax returns work for freelance musicians, and time limits to adhere to.

Last updated: 18 February 2026

Self Assessment or Final Declaration

HMRC has started to roll-out new digital tax requirements for self-employed individuals, and those with property income, called Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.  From April 2026, for those with qualifying income over £50,000, and from April 2027 for those with qualifying income over £30,000.  The threshold drops to £20K qualifying income from April 2028.

Qualifying freelancers, and those with property income, are now required to provide quartely reports online in addition to a year end Final Declaration (no longer called Self Assesment Tax Return).

For more information on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax 

Until your qualifying income breaches the relevant MTDfIT threshold, you will continue in the current system of self-assessment:

  • Completing your tax return, detailing all your taxable income for the tax year and claiming any allowances and reliefs.
  • Payment of the tax as calculated by 31 January.

If you are unable to file your tax return online, you can complete a paper version by 31 October.  The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April each year.  Notification that you need to file an income tax return is usually sent out in April each year.

Your tax return should be submitted online.  There is no fee for filing through the official HMRC website - beware of unofficial sites that try and charge you.

Self-employed musicians are taxed on earnings in the current tax year.

Self Assessment time limits

There are strict time limits for filing tax returns, with fixed penalties automatically enforced if they aren’t adhered to.

Tax Advice for Members provided by Musicians’ Tax Advisor

We work with Musicians’ Tax Advisor, a firm of specialist Chartered Tax Advisor’s to support members with all aspects of tax, accounting and bookkeeping.

MU members can receive straightforward tax advice from Musicians’ Tax Advisor as a benefit of membership. This isn’t a replacement for a tax advisor and doesn’t cover complex or time-consuming issues.

You can contact Musicians’ Tax Advisor by submitting this enquiry form: Submit Tax enquiry.

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU

Member services