when to register for self assessment to pay dividend tax

I have dividend payments that exceed the allowance of £500 for 2024/25 and they have been paid to me in April 2024. Am i correct in saying that i will need to register for self assessment by October 2025, file my return by 30 Dec 20205 and pay the tax owed by 31st Jan 2026. Any help with these dates appreciated as not very clear on the HMRC website, many thanks

Hi 

If your 24/25 dividends exceed £10,000, you will need to file a Self Assessment return for 24/25.
You can do this online ( via Self Assessment tax returns ) from 06/04/25, and you would need to file your 24/25 return (and pay any tax owed) by 31/01/2026.
If your dividend income does not exceed £10,000, the tax owed can be paid via PAYE - contact us via
Income Tax: general enquiries to arrange this.

Thank you

Thank you for your reply. I do not want to pay the excess tax through PAYE so I want to do a self assessment. Is this allowed and if so are the same dates as you post in your reply applicable? Many thanks.

Hi,
While you can file a Self Assessment return if you choose to do so, (and the dates above would apply if you do), please be aware that your Self Assessment record may be automatically closed after filing if our systems do not detect any actual Self Assessment criteria.
Thank you.

How can I avoid my Self Assessment record may be automatically closed after filing if your systems do not detect any actual Self Assessment criteria. Thank you. Can I call or what do I do to stop this happening please?

Hi,
If you wish to check if your record has been automatcially closed, and reopen your record if necessary, contact us by webchat or phone via Contact HMRC.
Thank you.