Do you need to send a return?
HMRC uses Self Assessment to collect Income Tax on income that is not taxed before you receive it. These are the gov.uk criteria.
Still not sure? gov.uk has a short tool that gives you an answer.
Checked on 18 October 2026. Source: gov.uk, who must send a tax return.
You must send a return if, in the last tax year, any of these applied
- You were self-employed as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000, before taking off anything you can claim tax relief on.
- You were a partner in a business partnership.
- You had to pay Capital Gains Tax when you sold something that increased in value.
- You had to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge and do not pay it through PAYE.
- You are an off-payroll worker who is repaying a student or postgraduate loan.
You must also send one if HMRC asks you to.
You may also need one if you have untaxed income such as
- money from renting out property or land
- tips and commission
- savings interest
- dividends, including investments
- foreign income
- any taxable UK income, if you are a non-UK resident
What we do for you
We prepare returns for sole traders, landlords, partners and directors with dividends, and we cover capital gains and foreign income. You deal with us from your first message to the filed return.
- We work out what applies
- We go through your income with you, whether it comes from self-employment, property, dividends or savings.
- We prepare the return
- We fill it in from the records you send us.
- We check it with you
- We check the return before we file it. You see the figures before anything goes to HMRC, and you can ask about any of them.
- We file it online
- We file it as your HMRC agent, ahead of the deadline.
- We explain the bill
- HMRC works out what you owe from your return. We tell you the amount and the date to pay it by.
- We look into HMRC letters
- If HMRC writes about the return later, send us a photo of the letter on WhatsApp and we can look into it.
Get your fixed fee
Tell us what you have and we quote one fee before any work starts.
Free first chat, no obligation. We reply within one working day.
or ask for a quote- ICAEW and AAT qualified
- AML supervised by AAT
- Over 15 years in financial services between the two directors
- Fixed fee, agreed before work starts
What to send us
Send what you have. If something is missing, we will tell you what it is and where to find it.
Self Assessment
Records checklist
Illustrative checklist
Deadlines for the 2025-26 tax year
HMRC must receive your return and any money you owe by the deadline.
Checked on 18 October 2026.
- 31Oct 2026
Paper return
For the 2025-26 tax year. The paper deadline falls before the online one.
- 31Jan 2027
Online return and payment
For the 2025-26 tax year. It covers the return and the payment of what you owe.
Each year, you must tell HMRC by 5 October if you need to file and have not sent a return before. gov.uk says you could be fined if you do not.
6 April 2027. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax reaches self-employment and property income over £30,000. It already applies above £50,000. Making Tax Digital on gov.uk.
How the fixed fee works
Self Assessment starts from £120. No two returns are the same, so we quote once we know what yours involves. Free first chat, no obligation.
- You tell us what you need. A call, a WhatsApp message or the quote form is enough.
- We agree one fixed fee. You hear the figure, and we confirm it in writing, before any work starts.
- The fee is fixed once the services are agreed. You know what you will pay.
Questions people ask
Answers drawn from gov.uk, with the link beside each one.
Do I need to send a return if I am employed?
Not always. Tax is usually taken from wages and pensions before you are paid. gov.uk says people and businesses with other income must report it in a return, and you must send one if HMRC asks you to.
What happens if I send my return late?
HMRC charges a penalty. gov.uk lists an initial £100, then £10 a day after 3 months, up to a maximum of £900 for the daily amounts. Paying late brings a separate penalty, and other penalties can apply.
Can I file before January?
Yes. gov.uk says you can send your return any time after 5 April. Filing early lets you find out what you owe and budget for it. The deadline to pay is still 31 January.
I think I no longer need to send a return. What do I do?
Tell HMRC as soon as you can. gov.uk says HMRC needs time to review your request before the 31 January deadline, and you may get a penalty if you tell it too late.
Which records do I need to keep?
gov.uk says to keep records, such as bank statements or receipts, so you can fill in the return correctly. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing.
How much will it cost?
Self Assessment starts from £120. The fee depends on your income and records. We agree one fixed fee with you and confirm it in writing, and the work starts only after you accept it. Your first chat with us is free, with no obligation.
Checked on 18 October 2026.
Send us your return
WhatsApp or call and tell us about your income. You hear one fixed fee before we start.
Free first chat, no obligation. We reply within one working day.
or ask for a quote- ICAEW and AAT qualified
- AML supervised by AAT
- Over 15 years in financial services between the two directors
- Fixed fee, agreed before work starts