Questions? Answered.

Usually, yes – as long as:

• You can get your information to us quickly; and
• Your situation isn’t extremely complex.

In a genuine last-minute emergency:

• We’ll prioritise the essentials to get a complete and accurate return submitted.
• If something can’t be finalised, we’ll discuss options (for example, using best estimates where appropriate and correcting later if needed).

Get in touch straight away – the sooner you contact us, the more we can do.

Yes.

We can:

• Explain how Making Tax Digital (MTD) affects you based on your income type and level.
• Recommend suitable software and simple record-keeping processes.
• Help you get set up and compliant before MTD rules expand further.

We keep up to date with HMRC’s latest MTD timelines and requirements so you don’t have to.

Yes.

We can look beyond this year’s self assessment tax return and help you:

• Estimate future tax bills and plan for payments.
• Decide on the best way to take income (salary/dividends, sole trader vs company, etc.).
• Make use of allowances and reliefs that apply to you.
• Think about longer-term planning, such as pensions and future business changes (we’ll work alongside your financial adviser where needed).

Good tax planning is about giving you clear options so you can make informed decisions, not aggressive schemes that might cause problems later.

You need to file a self assessment tax return if HMRC has asked you to, or if your income isn’t fully dealt with through PAYE. Common reasons:

• You’re self-employed or a sole trader earning more than £1,000 a year (before expenses).

• You’re a partner in a partnership.

• You have rental income.

• You receive significant dividends or investment income.

• Your total income is over £100,000.

• You have untaxed income (tips, online income, side gigs, crypto, etc).

If you’re unsure, we’ll review your situation and tell you if a self assessment tax return is needed.

Yes, you’re expected to keep evidence to back up the figures on your tax return.

• HMRC expects you to keep records for at least 5 years after the 31 January deadline for the relevant tax year.
• This can be digital (photos, scans, accounting software) or paper.

We’ll explain what records you should keep for your business or rental income and suggest simple ways to store them.

Yes.

We don’t disappear after 31 January. You can contact us throughout the year for:

• Questions about payments on account and tax codes.
• Help keeping records and using software.
• Support if your circumstances change (new job, side income, rental property, etc.).

Ongoing support makes next year’s self assessment tax return much easier.

You can contact us by phone, email or via our contact form.

See our contact page for details.

It depends how organised your records are and how complex your situation is, but in simple cases:

• If you have everything ready and respond quickly to queries, we can usually prepare and submit your tax return within a few days.
• In urgent, last-minute cases, we can often turn it around faster, as long as you give us the information we need.

We’ll agree realistic timescales with you up front.

You can generally claim costs that are “wholly and exclusively” for your business or income. Examples:

• Self-employed: materials, stock, advertising, website costs, accountancy fees, a portion of home office costs, business travel, professional subscriptions, etc.
• Landlords: letting agent fees, repairs, insurance, safety certificates, a share of certain running costs, etc.
• Employees: only some very specific unreimbursed expenses qualify.

The rules can be detailed and grey areas are common (home working, mobile phones, cars, clothing, mixed-use costs).

We’ll review your situation, identify allowable expenses, and make sure your self assessment tax return claims everything you’re entitled to – without crossing HMRC’s line.

If you miss the online filing deadline:

• HMRC will normally charge a £100 late filing penalty straight away.
• Further penalties and interest can build up if your return is more than 3, 6 or 12 months late, and if tax is unpaid.

Even if you’ve missed the 31 January deadline, it’s better to get the self assessment tax return filed as soon as possible. We can help limit extra penalties and put things back on track.

Contact us before you reply.

We can:

• Review any letters or emails from HMRC.
• Explain what they mean in plain English.
• Help you respond correctly and on time.
• Deal with HMRC on your behalf if you authorise us as your agent.

The sooner you involve us, the easier it usually is to resolve.

Don’t panic, and don’t ignore the deadline.

We will:

• Help you track down missing information (bank statements, payslips, interest certificates, etc.).
• Advise where it’s acceptable to use reasonable estimates if exact figures aren’t available.
• Keep a note of anything estimated so it can be updated later if needed.

It’s better to file using the best information you have than to miss the deadline completely.

You can’t normally ask HMRC for a simple “extension” just because you’re busy.

However:

• In some genuine “reasonable excuse” situations (serious illness, bereavement, etc.) HMRC may cancel penalties, but you’ll need to explain and provide evidence.
• If your tax bill is the issue, you might be able to arrange a Time to Pay instalment plan with HMRC.

We can:

• Still file your late self assessment tax return.
• Help you speak to HMRC about penalties and payment plans where appropriate.

That’s fine. We will:

1. Confirm if you actually need to register.
2. Help you register for self assessment with HMRC.
3. Explain what information we need from you.
4. Prepare and file your first tax return and explain the numbers in plain English.

You don’t need to know the jargon or HMRC forms – you just need to give us the information and we’ll handle the process.

For a standard tax year (6 April to 5 April):

• Paper tax returns: deadline is usually 31 October following the end of the tax year.
• Online tax returns and payment of tax: deadline is usually 31 January following the end of the tax year.

So for the tax year ending 5 April 2025, the online filing and payment deadline is 31 January 2026.

You can start as soon as the tax year ends on 5 April.

Starting early helps you:

• Know what tax you’ll need to pay in good time.
• Spot any missing records.
• Avoid the January rush, stress and last-minute penalties.

We encourage clients to get their information to us in the spring or summer where possible.