An HMRC-commissioned survey of more than 5,200 customers found that more than 26% said they experience anxiety when tax or financial deadlines approach, HM Revenue and Customs reported on 8 October 2026, ahead of World Mental Health Day. HMRC used the finding to encourage Self Assessment customers to start their returns early. The deadline to file and pay tax owed for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027; paper returns were due by 31 October 2026, HMRC noted.

HMRC said more than 24,000 customers filed on World Mental Health Day last year. Chief Customer Officer Myrtle Lloyd said starting early gives people time to prepare and complete the return in manageable parts, adding that help is available online. HMRC also suggested gathering records first, saving and returning to a return, and planning how to pay.

HMRC said customers signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax must still file a Self Assessment return and pay by 31 January 2027. Those with PAYE income can file online before 30 December to have tax collected through their tax code, it added. For the 2026 to 2027 Winter Fuel Payment, the deadline to opt out has passed; in Scotland, customers can opt out of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment by midday on 19 October 2026, HMRC said.