HMRC says you must tell it by 5 October 2026 if you need to complete a tax return for the 2025/26 tax year and you have either not sent a tax return before, or you were registered before but did not need to send a return for 2024/25.
Why this matters to drivers
If you started self-employed driving, courier, delivery or private-hire work during 2025/26, or had other income that means you need Self Assessment, you may need to register before you can file. The online return and tax-payment deadline is later — 31 January 2027 — but the notification deadline comes first.
What to check now
- Use HMRC's official checker to confirm whether you need a Self Assessment return.
- If you need to register or reactivate Self Assessment, do it by 5 October 2026.
- Keep platform statements, mileage records, receipts and other supporting evidence for the return.
- If you are already registered and required to file, this 5 October step may not apply to you in the same way.
Official sources: HMRC: check how to register for Self Assessment and HMRC registration-service update.
This is general information, not personal tax advice.