How to Prepare for Your Self Assessment Tax Return

A Self Assessment tax return is far less stressful when you prepare in good time. Here is a straightforward way to get ready.

1. Check whether you need to file

Common reasons include being self-employed, receiving rental income, being a company director with untaxed income, having significant savings or investment income, or being a higher earner. If you are unsure, check on GOV.UK or ask us.

2. Know the deadlines

For a typical tax year, paper returns are due by 31 October and online returns by 31 January. Any tax owed is normally due by 31 January too, with payments on account where they apply. Filing early does not mean paying early, it simply removes the last-minute pressure.

3. Gather your records

• Business income and expense records (or your bookkeeping software).
• Bank interest and dividend statements.
• Rental income and allowable property costs, if you are a landlord.
• P60s, P45s and P11Ds from any employment.
• Pension contributions and Gift Aid donations.
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and HMRC login.

4. Claim everything you are entitled to

Allowable expenses, reliefs and allowances reduce your bill, but only if you claim them. This is where many people pay more tax than they need to. An accountant will check for the deductions that are easy to miss.

5. File, then plan for payment

Once the return is filed you will know exactly what to pay and when, so you can set the money aside. If you would rather hand the whole thing over, our Self Assessment service prepares, checks and files your return well before the deadline.

Figures and rules are correct to the best of our knowledge as of October 2026 and relate to the 2026/27 tax year unless stated. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, always check current guidance on GOV.UK or speak to us before acting.