Self-Assessment Tax Returns
Our self-assessment knowledge hub has been designed to help you have a better understanding about what a tax return is and how we can help you file yours accurately and on time.
The UK has one of the largest tax systems in the world and has various deadlines and responsibilities taxpayers need to be aware of, There are also as many reasons why you may need to file a tax return.
Staff at HM Revenue and Customs are not tasked to advise you on how to organise your affairs and minimise your tax. Therefore, if you want to make sure you are paying the right amount of tax, you should consult a professional.
We've got you covered
The benefits of filing your tax return today
The deadline for tax returns is 31st January. Instead of waiting until January to file yours, consider the reasons to file your self-assessment tax return early.
Find out moreTax obligations for online sellers
New rules requiring online platforms used by sellers to report information about their users to HM Revenue and Customs highlight the need for online sellers to understand their tax obligations. This g...
Find out moreHow much does a self-assessment tax return cost?
A self-assessment tax return can be simple or very complex, depending on the types of income you are receiving and your personal circumstances.
Find out moreE-invoicing consultation to be launched
The Government has announced the launch of a consultation on the wider use of electronic invoicing ‘e-invoicing’ in UK businesses.
Find out moreYour guide to sole trader travel and subsistence expenses
For sole traders it’s important to make sure you’re claiming all allowable expenses in your accounts and on your tax return. One type of expense you may be able to claim against taxable income is trav...
Find out moreDo you need to complete a self-assessment tax return?
Several situations could require the completion of a self-assessment tax return, as they are not just for self-employed individuals. Employees, property owners and individuals who receive untaxed inco...
Find out moreThe benefits of having your tax return filed early
Nearly 300,000 self-assessment tax returns were filed in the first week of the new tax year to take advantage of the many benefits of doing so sooner rather than later.
Find out moreReasons to file your tax return early
Although January is months away, did you know you can file your tax return any time after 6th April - here are 7 great reasons why you should file your tax return sooner rather than later.
Find out moreA guide to understanding the Seafarers Earnings Deduction
If you are an employee and work at sea outside of the UK, you may be able to reduce your income tax bill using the Seafarers Earnings Deduction (SED).
Find out moreA sole trader’s guide to filing your first self-assessment tax return
It can be daunting having to file a self-assessment tax return for the first time. Read our guide to when you need to do it, the advantages of using an accountant and why submitting your tax return ea...
Find out moreWhat to do if you miss the tax return deadline
The deadline for filing your 2022/23 self-assessment tax return online was 31st January 2024. The deadline for paper tax returns was 31st October 2023.
Find out moreHow to start a side hustle and boost your income
Running a side hustle alongside your full-time job is a great way to increase your income. This guide shows you how to get started.
Find out moreThousands submit their self-assessment tax returns on Christmas Day
As many as 4,757 self-assessment taxpayers chose Christmas Day as the ideal time to submit their online tax returns for the 2022-23 tax year.
Find out moreTop expenses for your self-assessment tax return
As a business owner, or self-employed individual, the last thing you want is to pay more tax than you need to. Knowing what allowable business expenses you can include on your self-assessment tax retu...
Find out moreHow much National Insurance do I pay?
Individuals in the UK will make National Insurance Contributions (NICs) based employed income or self-employed profits. These NICs contribute to a state pot, which funds state benefits.
Find out moreKey tax dates you need to know if you are self-employed
Staying on top of key dates will ensure you stay on track, meet deadlines and avoid paying penalties and interest. We list the key dates sole traders need to be aware of in this concise guide.
Find out moreWhat are the penalties for filing a late tax return?
The deadline for filing your 2023/24 self-assessment tax return online is 31st January 2025. The paper tax return deadline is 31st October 2024.
Find out moreLate tax returns and reasonable excuses
The deadline for filing 2022/23 self-assessment tax returns is 31st October 2023 for paper returns and 31st January 2024 for returns filed online.
Find out moreWhat you need to know when filing your tax return and paying your tax...
More than 12 million people are expected to file a self-assessment tax return for the current tax year.
Find out moreTax for the self-employed
For self-employed individuals, the responsibility for reporting and paying the necessary tax relies solely on the individual. It is therefore important to understand what your obligations are and when...
Find out moreWhat your accountant needs to file your tax return
The records you provide to your accountant ahead of the self-assessment tax return deadline may change each year. Our guide explains what they will need to file your tax return.
Find out moreWho needs to file a tax return?
As your circumstances change, you must keep in mind that you may now be required to submit a tax return. The onus is on you to let HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) know that you need to file a tax return....
Find out moreWhat is a payment on account?
If you are self-employed or have income that is not taxed before you receive it, you may have a tax bill to pay, but are you aware how the tax stage payments can impact your cashflow?
Find out moreA guide to the changes to penalties for late self-assessment tax retur...
The Government is reforming the system of penalties for late submission of tax returns and late payment of tax. This guide outlines the upcoming changes to penalties for Income Tax Self-Assessment (IT...
Find out more600,000 miss the self-assessment tax return deadline
This year saw a record 97% of taxpayers in the UK filing their 2021-22 self-assessment tax returns ahead of 31st January, but an estimated 600,000 still missed the deadline, earning instant £100 late...
Find out moreHMRC seeks out online traders and freelancers over unpaid tax
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is targeting online traders, content creators and social influencers about their tax obligations from digital earnings.
Find out moreHMRC pilots text system trialled to cut waiting times
HM Revenue and Customs have started trialling a text service, which sees routine calls answered by text instead of a human to reduce waiting times.
Find out moreSelf-assessment taxpayers urged to remain vigilant ahead of 2021-22 ta...
The number of tax fraudsters operating in the UK rises on the eve of the self-assessment tax return deadline and this year is no different.
Find out more5.7 million yet to file their self-assessment tax return as deadline l...
The 31st January 2023 deadline for 2021-22 self-assessment tax returns is fast approaching. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) states that almost 5.7 million individuals are yet to file their returns and c...
Find out moreAlmost 800,000 fraudulent tax-related emails and texts issued in 2021
HM Revenue and Customs has received reports of approximately 800,000 scam texts and emails so far this year, all purporting to relate to self-assessment tax returns and tax rebates.
Find out moreAct now so you don’t miss the Tax Return deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded UK taxpayers eligible for 2019-20 self-assessment to complete their tax return before the 31st January 2020 deadline.
Find out moreSurvey finds that doing your own tax return is a false economy
An independent survey of UK taxpayers revealed almost a third of those who file their own self-assessment tax return don’t fully understand what they can and can’t claim for.
Find out moreAirbnb host earnings now received by HMRC
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) now has access to the income of Airbnb hosts, highlighting the importance of landlords being transparent about their taxable lettings income.
Find out morePaper self-assessment tax returns will no longer be sent automatically
HMRC has stated from this April it will no longer send out paper returns to self-assessment taxpayers in a bid to encourage them to use the online service and reduce paper waste.
Find out moreOver 100,000 tax returns filed by the TaxAssist Accountants network
Now the 31st January deadline for 2018-19 self-assessment tax return submissions has passed, TaxAssist Accountants can confirm it has filed more than 100,000 personal tax returns on behalf of its nati...
Find out moreNearly one million miss the self-assessment tax return deadline
This year saw 95% of taxpayers in the UK filing their 2018-19 self-assessment tax returns ahead of 31st January, but 958,296 missed the deadline, earning instant £100 late filing penalties.
Find out moreRead our expert answers to your Self-Assessment Tax Returns questions
What happens if I do not register for self-assessment in time?
If you do not register for self-assessment by 5th October, you are late in notifying HMRC of your liability to pay tax.
Find out moreI am completing my first self-assessment tax return - where do I start...
Filing your tax return for the first time can be scary. The risk of getting it wrong, exposure to tax investigations and not knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
Find out moreWhat can high earners do to save tax?
I am a high earner and am looking at a large tax liability to pay in January. How can I make changes to reduce my tax liability and save tax?
Find out moreWhen is the tax return deadline?
I have heard that the deadline for submitting my self-assessment tax return to HMRC is the end of October. What should I do if I have not sent my tax return information to my accountant yet?
Find out moreAre payments in kind taxable?
I am a social media influencer and as well as being paid in cash I also get discounted or free products and services. Do I have to tell HMRC about these items?
Find out moreWhat is a simple assessment tax bill?
I have received a simple assessment from HMRC that has asked me to pay tax. I do not usually prepare a tax return so why do I need to pay this tax?
Find out moreSelf-Assessment Tax Return: Missed your second payment?
I did not pay my second payment on account in July, what should I do?
Find out moreDoes my P11D have to go on my tax return?
I am employed and I also have rental income so I need to complete a tax return. Does my P11D need to go on my tax return?
Find out moreHow do I register for self-assessment?
I need to let HMRC know about some property income I started to receive in the 2023/24 tax year. How do I do this?
Find out moreWhat is the tax return threshold for high earners?
I am employed and my salary is £120,000. I have had to complete a tax return before, but this year HMRC have told me I do not need to file a tax return. Is this true?
Find out moreTax relief on pension contributions
I’m self-employed and looking for ways to save tax. One recommendation I have received is to invest into a pension. Can you advise on the current savings available?
Find out moreDo I have to complete a self-assessment tax return?
I have heard that I may need to complete a self-assessment tax return, but how do I know?
Find out moreHow to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to register as self-employed with HMRC in 10 simple steps. From creating a Government Gateway account to receiving your UTR, our guide by Catherine Heinen, FCCA, ensures you meet all require...
Find out moreHow do I amend my tax return?
I have received a letter from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) stating that I may not have told them something and owe tax. I am not sure what to do, please could you help?
Find out moreHow long do I need to keep my tax records?
Now that I’ve submitted my tax return, can I throw the supporting documents relating to my business and P60 away? I’ve got a lot of paperwork from over the years and it’d be great to have a sort out.
Find out moreIs the threshold for filing a self-assessment tax return changing?
I have heard that HMRC will be changing the threshold for taxpayers who pay tax through PAYE to complete a self-assessment tax return. Could you please confirm what the new threshold is and when it wi...
Find out moreI can’t file my self-assessment tax return by 31st January, will I get...
I have to file a 2023/24 self-assessment tax return but am not going to be able to get it filed by 31st January 2025, will I get a penalty if I file it by the middle of February 2025?
Find out moreCan I claim for working from home tax relief?
As a self-employed builder I am mostly working elsewhere but I do work from home to do my books. Am I able to claim for use of home on my tax return?
Find out moreIs my bank interest income taxable?
I have received a lot more interest from my bank this year because of the increase in savings interest rates. I am a higher rate taxpayer and earned almost £1,000 of interest across my accounts. Pleas...
Find out moreCan I pay my underpaid income tax through my PAYE code?
I’ve just finished my self-assessment tax return and have a balance of tax to pay. I have employment income as well as other earnings that have resulted in the under payment of tax. In previous years...
Find out moreWhat are income tax payments on account?
My tax return has been submitted and I’ve been advised that I need to make payments on account. What does this mean; and how do I work them out?
Find out moreWhen is the tax return deadline for the 2022-23 tax year?
I have heard that the deadline for submitting my self-assessment tax return to HMRC is the end of October. What should I do if I have not sent my tax return information to my accountant yet?
Find out moreWhen to pay a second payment on account
My second payment on account is due by 31st July 2024, do I have to pay this?
Find out moreHow do I get a tax refund if I am a subcontractor?
I’ve been working as a labourer for a couple of years now. One of my friends mentioned that he'd just got a big tax refund. How do I get a tax refund?
Find out moreWhy should I do my self-assessment tax return early?
Are there any benefits to doing my tax return early, other than being organised?
Find out moreWhat interest will I be charged if I pay my tax late?
I don’t believe I will be able to pay my tax liability and wondered what interest HMRC will charge on the underpaid tax?
Find out moreHow do I register to file a tax return?
I have just received my Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) as I need to file a tax return this year. What is the next step to filing my tax return?
Find out moreWhy you should not delay filing your tax return
I thought that HMRC had 12 months from the tax return deadline to open an enquiry into my self-assessment tax return which is why I normally wait until then to submit the return. Is this a sensible ap...
Find out moreConsequences of paying tax late
I am newly self-employed and have been rather unorganised this year. I just managed to get my 2020/21 tax return filed online on 31st January 2022, but I didn’t have enough cash put aside for my tax b...
Find out moreWhat penalties can I expect for a late tax return?
I am yet to file my tax return. What penalties can I expect?
Find out moreCan I pay my tax bill through my PAYE tax code?
I have just prepared my tax return and have a tax liability to pay, can I pay this through my tax code?
Find out moreDo I need to complete a self-assessment tax return if I have done a ca...
My real-time capital gains tax return for the sale of my residential property has been submitted but what happens next, do I still need to do a self-assessment tax return?
Find out moreReceiving interest when lending your company money
I have lent my company some money, can the company pay me interest?
Find out moreChoosing to be a limited company or sole trader as a contractor
As a CIS contractor on top of the normal issues surrounding whether to be a limited company or a sole trader, are there any CIS specific issues to be aware of?
Find out moreDo I need to complete a self-assessment tax return?
I have heard that the deadline for completing a self-assessment tax return is 31st January, but I am not sure whether I need to complete one?
Find out moreAre professional fees and subscriptions allowable for tax?
I am employed as a teacher and pay several professional fees and subscribe to a few journals such as Educate magazine. Am I entitled to tax relief on these payments?
Find out moreCannot pay my tax bill
I filed my tax return on time, but I cannot afford to pay my tax bill. What should I do?
Find out moreWhy can I only claim Self-employment Income Support Scheme up to the e...
At the moment the Government scheme only covers the period until the end of May
Find out moreSelf-Employment Income Support Scheme: what is meant by profits?
I think I may be eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, as the guidance says my trading profits must be less than £50,000. What is meant by ‘profits’? Are these the sales that I make...
Find out moreTax Credits renewal for self-employed
Before I fill in my Tax Credits renewal form, do I have to complete my tax return first if I am a sole trader?
Find out moreCan I amend my Income Tax Return?
I rushed the submission of my tax return in January, and realised that I missed off the interest I received from my bank accounts and dividends received from some investments during the 2018/19 tax ye...
Find out moreAre you able to prevent receiving penalties for missing the tax return...
I missed the 31st January deadline for filing my self-assessment tax return – can I stop HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from issuing any penalties?
Find out moreWhat should I do if I cannot pay my tax bill?
I filed my tax return ontime, but I could not afford to pay my tax bill. What should I do?
Find out moreWhy is my tax bill so high?
I have just completed my tax return online for the first time and it says I owe £8,000 in tax this January. I had already estimated it would be in that region, so that wasn’t a surprise. However, it a...
Find out moreFiling tax returns
I have just received my Unique Taxpayer Reference as I need to file a tax return this year. What is the next step to filing my tax return?
Find out more