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self assessment accountant
File Tax Return & Stay Compliant
Self Assessment accountant you can rely on. We prepare accurate returns, check reliefs, and handle HMRC for you. With tailored advice and clear fees, we cut stress, filing on time so you stay compliant with clarity.
File Your Self Assessment with a Dedicated Accountant
Who Must File Self Assessment & When to Register
Who must file Self Assessment, and when should you register? You need a return if you’re a sole trader above the allowance, a landlord with rental profit, a company director, or you received untaxed income such as dividends, crypto gains, or side-hustle earnings. Register as soon as you cross the threshold or start trading to avoid penalties. Allow time to get your UTR, set up online access, and gather records. Act early and call our tax advisors.
Avoiding Common Errors that Trigger HMRC Enquiries
Avoid common errors that trigger HMRC enquiries by keeping clean records, matching software totals to bank statement, and separating business and personal costs. Report all income sources—employment, rental, dividends, marketplaces—and keep proof for reliefs like mileage or homeworking. Double-check dates, figures, and VAT rates, and explain unusual items in plain English.
Do you need help with your Tax Return Filling?
Schedule a free 30‑minute consultation to discuss your personal tax compliance.
Whether you need help with simple tax returns or complex issues, we’ve designed our service to ensure you feel supported, informed, and in control every step of the way.
Get expert tax advice without visiting an office. Our virtual consultations can review, plan, and resolve your tax matters.
Book a consultation with a tax expert to identify any issues and receive the most effective strategy for future compliance.
Appointments can be scheduled online, by phone, or in person with a tax advisor. Contact our office to discuss your needs and next steps.
The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
What does a Self Assessment accountant do and why do I need one?
Our Self Assessment accountant help individuals and small businesses prepare, file, and optimise their annual tax returns with HMRC. The Self Assessment system applies when income isn’t fully taxed at source — like self-employment, rental income, dividends, foreign earnings, or side hustles. While it’s possible to file your own return, mistakes or missed reliefs can be costly. That’s where professional accountants add value.
At Tax Accountant, we handle the entire process: registering you with HMRC, gathering the right records, calculating taxable income, and ensuring every claimable deduction is applied correctly. We also cross-check previous returns to identify overpaid tax or reliefs you might have missed. Our role goes beyond numbers. We make sure you stay compliant, file on time before the 31 January deadline, and avoid late-filing penalties or unnecessary stress. Whether you’re a landlord, freelancer, director, or investor, we tailor your return to your specific situation.
Many people think accountants are just for large businesses, but Self Assessment often hides complexity. For example, claiming work-from-home expenses, managing payments on account, or splitting joint property income properly are frequent problem areas.
With a Self Assessment accountant, you save time and protect against HMRC errors and overpayments. At Tax Accountant, we prioritise accuracy and fast turnaround. Upload your documents to our secure portal, and we take care of the rest. Plus, we provide a summary for next year, making future filings quicker.
Who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return?
You must file a Self Assessment tax return if you receive income that HMRC doesn’t automatically tax through PAYE. This includes sole traders earning more than £1,000, landlords with rental income, company directors, individuals receiving dividends, and anyone with capital gains, crypto profits, or foreign income.
You also need to file if HMRC sends you a notice to complete a tax return — even if you think you owe nothing. Common scenarios include freelance work, Airbnb rentals, or side income from online sales that exceed the £1,000 trading allowance. If you’re unsure whether you need to file, it’s always safer to check early rather than wait for a penalty letter.
Registering late or missing deadlines can result in fines of £100 or more, plus daily charges if the delay continues. It also affects your ability to claim refunds or credits. The best time to register is as soon as you start earning untaxed income. You’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) from HMRC and set up online access to file your return.
At Tax Accountant, we make registration simple. We guide you through HMRC’s online process, ensure you have the right category (self-employed, landlord, or investor), and prepare your first return correctly. We’ll also help forecast what you owe, so there are no surprises when payment is due.
If you’re a director, self-employed professional, or have more than one income stream, a tailored approach is essential. Our accountants specialise in multi-source income tax planning, ensuring your allowances, expenses, and reliefs are used efficiently. Getting this right early avoids bigger problems later and keeps you ahead of HMRC deadlines every year.
When should I register, and what’s the Self Assessment deadline?
Timing matters in Self Assessment. If you’re new to self-employment or recently started receiving rental income, you must register with HMRC by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which you started trading. For example, if you started earning in June 2024, you must register by 5 October 2025. Missing this deadline can lead to penalties and unnecessary delays.
The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April, and your Self Assessment tax return is due by 31 January the following year if filing online. Paper returns are due earlier, by 31 October. Payments for any tax owed are also due by 31 January, and if you’re required to make payments on account, the next instalment is due by 31 July.
At Tax Accountant, we recommend registering as soon as possible. Early registration gives you time to gather records, set up your Government Gateway account, and avoid last-minute stress. It also helps if you’re expecting a refund — HMRC can’t issue one until your return is filed.
We handle registration on your behalf, check your National Insurance status, and ensure your UTR is correctly linked to your tax profile. Once registered, we create a filing plan that tracks your income, expenses, and deadlines.
If you’re switching accountants mid-year, we can take over without disrupting your records. We use HMRC-approved software and cloud integrations to ensure your return is ready well before the deadline. Registering early also helps us identify potential savings — like home-office deductions or business mileage — and plan your payments to manage cash flow efficiently.
What records do I need for my Self Assessment tax return?
Accurate record-keeping is key to a smooth tax return. HMRC expects you to retain detailed records of all income and expenses that relate to your return for at least five years after the filing deadline. For self-employed individuals, this means invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Landlords should keep tenancy agreements, rent statements, and repair or maintenance invoices.
If you’re a company director, you’ll need records of salary, dividends, benefits, and expenses reimbursed by the company. Investors should keep broker statements, dividend vouchers, and capital gains computations. Even small items like mileage logs, home-office costs, and charitable donations can make a difference.
You don’t need fancy software — but you do need structure. At Tax Accountant, we help clients set up simple systems, from Excel trackers to cloud software like Xero or QuickBooks. We reconcile your data against your bank feeds to ensure nothing is missed or duplicated. We also advise what not to include. For instance, personal costs disguised as business expenses often cause HMRC flags. Similarly, claiming repairs as capital improvements (or vice versa) can affect both your tax and future capital gains.
When you send us your records, we review them for consistency and accuracy, highlight any missing information, and create a summary aligned with HMRC’s categories. We also prepare a “review report” to help you understand your tax position — not just this year, but what’s likely next year as well.
Keeping good records doesn’t just make filing easier — it builds credibility if HMRC ever queries your return. Our structured approach ensures your documentation stands up to any compliance check or enquiry.
What expenses can I claim to reduce my tax bill?
Claiming allowable expenses is one of the biggest opportunities in Self Assessment. HMRC lets you deduct costs that are “wholly and exclusively” for business purposes. For sole traders, this includes tools, equipment, travel, advertising, insurance, and a portion of home-working expenses. Landlords can claim mortgage interest, letting agent fees, repairs, insurance, and professional fees.
Understanding what qualifies matters. For instance, if you drive for business, you can use mileage rates (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles) or actual car costs if you keep detailed records. If you work from home, you can claim a portion of your bills for heat, light, and broadband based on business use.
Company directors can also claim expenses, but the rules differ — especially for benefits, entertainment, and personal-use assets. Even small claims like professional subscriptions, stationery, or accounting fees add up.
At Tax Accountant, we identify every legitimate deduction. We review your bank data, receipts, and recurring costs to ensure compliance while optimising your tax position. We also warn you about common pitfalls, such as claiming clothing or meals without proper justification. Accurate expense management can reduce your bill and lower future payments on account. We prepare a summary of your expense claims, highlight grey areas, and ensure every item is defensible if HMRC reviews it.
In many cases, our clients save more in tax than they pay in accounting fees — because well-documented claims make a real difference. By the end of the process, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s deductible, what’s risky, and what’s best managed through planning in the next tax year.
How do payments on account work?
Payments on account are advance payments towards your next year’s tax bill. HMRC requires these when your Self Assessment tax owed exceeds £1,000 and less than 80% of your total tax has already been collected through PAYE. Essentially, you prepay half your estimated bill in January and the other half in July.
This system often surprises new taxpayers because it can double your first year’s payment. For example, if your 2023–24 tax bill is £4,000, you’ll pay that in January 2025 plus another £2,000 towards 2024–25, with another £2,000 due in July 2025. That means £6,000 upfront, but future years smooth out.
You can apply to reduce payments on account if you expect a lower income next year — but it’s important to be realistic. Underestimating can lead to interest and penalties later. At Tax Accountant, we calculate accurate forecasts using your latest data, so you never overpay or underpay. We also prepare reminders for each instalment and help you adjust if your situation changes mid-year.
We explain each line clearly, showing what relates to the previous year and what counts toward the next. This clarity helps you budget and avoid the common January shock. We also coordinate with HMRC for Time to Pay arrangements if cash flow is tight. Understanding payments on account is essential for freelancers, landlords, and directors without PAYE. With expert planning, it becomes manageable and predictable — not stressful. We make sure you know exactly what’s due, why, and when.
How do I avoid common errors that trigger HMRC enquiries?
Most HMRC enquiries stem from avoidable errors. The most common are mismatches between your return and official data (such as PAYE, dividends, or property records), missing income, or overclaimed expenses. Typos, rounding differences, or late submissions also raise red flags.
To avoid issues, keep your records consistent and double-check all totals before submission. Ensure your declared income matches what HMRC already knows from employers or banks. Never estimate — if you’re unsure, state “to be confirmed” with a note, or contact your accountant first.
Another common issue is claiming personal costs as business expenses — for example, meals, holidays, or home bills without a valid allocation. These often lead to penalty disputes later.
At Tax Accountant, every return undergoes a full accuracy check. We use software that cross-references your data with HMRC submissions to identify inconsistencies before filing. We also review your expense patterns to ensure they look proportionate to your income and industry averages.
We prepare a review sheet that shows what’s been checked and why, giving you confidence that the figures are correct. If HMRC still contacts you, our team manages correspondence, explains your position clearly, and provides documentation. Accuracy builds trust. A well-prepared return reduces the likelihood of enquiries, delays, or penalties. With clear data and a professional presentation, your tax submission stands strong and compliant every year.
What happens if I file tax retrun late or pay tax late?
Missing the Self Assessment deadline can get expensive quickly. HMRC issues an automatic £100 penalty the day after 31 January, even if you owe no tax. After three months, daily penalties of £10 apply, up to a maximum of £900. Six and twelve months later, additional charges equal to 5% of the unpaid tax are added.
Interest also accrues on unpaid tax from 1 February. If payments on account or balancing payments are late, the same interest applies. The sooner you act, the less damage there will be. If you’re struggling, contact HMRC or an accountant immediately. You can appeal penalties if you had a reasonable excuse — for example, illness, bereavement, or HMRC service issues — but you’ll need evidence.
At Tax Accountant, we regularly help clients file overdue returns and negotiate Time-to-Pay arrangements. We prioritise your oldest years first, clear errors quickly, and create a compliance plan so you never miss another deadline. We also help remove penalties where there’s a valid reason. Our appeal letters are factual, concise, and supported by documentation. Often, when you demonstrate genuine effort to fix the issue, HMRC shows flexibility.
If you’re behind on multiple years, we can handle all filings together. You’ll receive a clear timeline, what’s owed, and what can be reclaimed. Filing late isn’t the end of the world — staying inactive is. Acting early —even after a miss —protects you from escalating costs and restores compliance quickly.
Can I amend my Self Assessment after submission?
Yes, you can amend your Self Assessment within 12 months after the filing deadline. For example, if you filed your 2023–24 return by 31 January 2025, you have until 31 January 2026 to make changes. Amending allows you to correct mistakes, claim missed expenses, or adjust figures once new information arrives.
If the amendment results in a refund, HMRC will process it automatically, usually within a few weeks. If it increases your liability, pay the difference promptly to avoid interest. Always include a short explanation of what’s changed and why.
Amendments must be made online or in writing, referencing the original figures and corrected ones. Keep evidence of all changes, especially if the amendment relates to business income or capital gains.
At Tax Accountant, we handle amendments efficiently. We identify whether a correction is simple or if a full resubmission is safer. We also analyse past returns to spot missed opportunities — like unclaimed allowances or reliefs. In many cases, we secure refunds by rechecking historic data.
Amending doesn’t harm your record if done transparently. HMRC appreciates proactive correction more than silence. The key is accuracy and clarity. We ensure every revision is backed by documentation, then update your forecast for future years accordingly.
If you’ve found an error outside the 12-month window, we can help make a voluntary disclosure, which can still reduce penalties. It’s always better to fix an issue early, with a clear explanation, than wait for HMRC to spot it later.
How can Tax Accountant help with my Self Assessment?
At Tax Accountant, we provide a complete, end-to-end Self Assessment service tailored to individuals, landlords, directors, and small business owners. Our goal is to simplify tax while maximising accuracy and compliance. We start with a free initial review to understand your situation — income types, deadlines, and record quality. Then we create a simple plan: what’s needed, by when, and what you can claim. We handle HMRC registration, gather your documents securely online, and prepare your return to the highest standard.
Every return is double-checked for accuracy and compliance. We identify missing data, validate expenses, and ensure all reliefs are correctly applied — from work-from-home claims to pension contributions. We also forecast your account payments and advise on cash flow management.
Once filed, we provide you with a summary showing your liabilities, payments made, and future due dates. If HMRC later queries anything, we handle correspondence on your behalf.
What sets us apart is transparency: fixed fees, no hidden costs, and clear communication. We also help you plan — adjusting next year’s tax strategy so you pay only what’s necessary. Whether you’re a first-time filer or managing multiple income sources, we’ll ensure your Self Assessment is stress-free, compliant, and optimised. Book your consultation today and let professionals handle your tax while you focus on your goals.