HMRC has updated the self assessment tax return for the tax year just ended (2025-26). The form includes additional boxes on the employment pages (SA102) in relation to close companies.

A company is a 'close company' if it is controlled by five or fewer participators or by any number of participators who are also directors; or if more than 50% of the assets on a winding up would be distributed to five or fewer participators (or participators who are directors). The term 'participator' is used to describe the shareholders and others with a financial interest in the company for example a loan provider.

On the previous form, it was sufficient to tick a box to say that you were a director of a close company during the year. The updated form asks for more detailed information about each close company directorship, including the company's name and registration number; the amount of dividends received from it (even if this is zero); and the maximum percentage of the share capital held by you during the year.

If you are a director of more than one company, a separate SA102 must be completed for each directorship even where no salary, dividends or other income have been received. HMRC may charge penalties for incomplete or inaccurate returns.

If you are a director of one or more close companies we can help you collate the necessary information to complete the employment pages on your self assessment tax return.