Self-Assessment for Security Workers: A Simple Guide (2025)
If you work in the UK security industry — as a door supervisor, CCTV operator, event steward, or security contractor — you might need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return each year.
Here’s how to get it right without stress (and without overpaying HMRC).
✅ Who Needs to File a Self-Assessment
You must file a Self-Assessment if you’re:
- Self-employed (sole trader, freelancer, or subcontractor)
- Earning extra income outside PAYE (for example, cash-in-hand work or private event shifts)
- A company director taking dividends or director’s pay
If you’re paid through PAYE (e.g. on an agency payroll) and have no extra earnings, you usually don’t need to file.
📅 Key Deadlines for 2025
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Register for Self-Assessment | 5 October 2025 |
| Submit online tax return | 31 January 2026 |
| Pay any tax owed | 31 January 2026 |
Miss these dates and HMRC will fine you £100 minimum, even if you owe no tax.
🧾 Tracking Your Income and Expenses
Keep records of:
- Shift payments (agency or direct)
- Private event work
- Any equipment purchases (radios, bodycams, uniforms)
- Training costs (e.g. SIA renewal, first aid)
- Travel and mileage
- Public liability insurance
You don’t need fancy software, but it helps.
🔗 Read next: Best Free Accounting Tools for Security Professionals →
👨💻 How to File Your Self-Assessment Online
- Go to gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
- Create or log in with your Government Gateway ID
- Fill out your income and expenses for the tax year (6 April to 5 April)
- Check the summary and submit
- Pay any tax owed by card or bank transfer
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include training or travel costs
- Not saving for tax during the year
- Missing the January deadline
- Using personal bank statements with no record of income split
Set aside around 20–25% of your income for tax and NI to stay safe.
🧮 How Much Tax Will You Pay?
For 2025/26:
- Personal Allowance: £12,570 (no tax up to this)
- Basic Rate: 20% on £12,571 – £50,270
- Class 2 NI: £3.45/week (if profits > £12,570)
- Class 4 NI: 9% on profits £12,570–£50,270
HMRC’s calculator or software like QuickBooks can estimate this automatically.
✅ Final Checklist
Before January rolls around:
- Register with HMRC as self-employed
- Keep a digital record of income and expenses
- Save 20–25% of each payment for tax
- File and pay before 31 January
Doing it right the first time saves stress — and keeps you in good standing for future contracts or company work.
Want More Guidance?
Visit the Self-Employed & Small Business Security Resources UK Homepage
Security Business Resources