Self Assessment returns
We prepare your Self Assessment return from the agreed records, discuss questions and explain the calculation before you approve submission.
Self-employed professionals
Accountants for UK sole traders and the self-employed.
We prepare accounts and Self Assessment tax returns for sole traders, freelancers and the self-employed. We help you organise the records, check allowable expenses and understand the tax due, including payments on account where they apply.
You can also agree bookkeeping, VAT returns and Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax support with us. Tell us what you handle already and where you would like help.
- Is this for me?
- We work with the self-employed: sole traders, freelancers and small-business owners who want an accountant who helps plan ahead.
- What's covered
- Accounts and Self Assessment returns, with bookkeeping, VAT and digital reporting support where agreed. We explain the tax due and the records needed.
- What it costs
- A fixed fee, agreed in writing before work starts. Our fees page explains how we scope the work and quote.
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What we check for your Self Assessment return
The return starts with your records. These are four points we discuss when preparing your accounts and explaining the tax calculation.
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Planning your January and July payments
Your January payment may include the balance for the completed tax year and the first payment towards the next bill. We explain the amounts and dates so you can plan for both.
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Supporting home and vehicle expenses
For costs shared between business and personal use, keep evidence of the business portion. Mileage records, working hours and the rooms used can help support the method chosen. The allowable amount depends on the expense and applicable rules.
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Choosing the trading allowance or actual expenses
If you qualify for the £1,000 trading allowance, it can be claimed instead of actual expenses for the same income. We compare the options and check eligibility rather than deducting both.
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Checking your digital reporting start date
Making Tax Digital uses qualifying gross self-employment and property income before expenses. For the April 2026 start, the test uses the 2024/25 tax return, not simply the turnover you earn this month.
We agree the accounts and Self Assessment work, record responsibilities and fee in writing. Bookkeeping, digital updates and advice on changing to a company can be included where agreed. The scope explains what you supply and what we prepare.
How payments on account work: Payments on account are normally due on 31 January and 31 July. Each is usually half the previous year's relevant Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance bill. They are not normally required if the tax owed was less than £1,000 or more than 80% was paid outside Self Assessment. Capital Gains Tax and student loan repayments are settled separately in the balancing payment.
2026 change
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
From 6 April 2026, eligible individuals whose combined qualifying gross self-employment and property income exceeded £50,000 in 2024/25 must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates through compatible software, subject to exemptions. An annual tax return is still required.
We can agree software setup, record checks and submission of the required updates and tax return. The next phases use income over £30,000 in 2025/26 for April 2027 and over £20,000 in 2026/27 for April 2028. Read our Making Tax Digital for Income Tax guide for the records and deadlines.
- Agree the software and digital records you need
- Confirm who prepares, checks and submits updates
- Agree record, query and approval dates
What changed in April 2026
Over £50,000
Combined qualifying gross income in 2024/25, subject to eligibility and exemptions.
Quarterly updates and an annual return
Quarterly updates report income and expenses for each relevant business. You still finalise your tax position and submit the annual tax return through compatible software.
Use the eligibility check to see which start date may apply to you.
Accounts and tax work we can agree with you
Income Tax and National Insurance
We explain your Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance calculation. Where profits are low, we can also check whether voluntary Class 2 contributions are relevant to your National Insurance record.
Payments on account
We explain the January and July payments shown in your calculation. If your tax is expected to fall, we can review a reduction claim; interest applies if payments are reduced too far.
VAT registration
If your taxable turnover is approaching the £90,000 VAT registration threshold, we can agree a registration review and ongoing VAT returns. The timing depends on the historic and future turnover tests.
Incorporation check
Compare sole trader and limited company tax in 2026/27 at £20,000 to £300,000 profit, with worked examples and downloadable figures.
Cloud bookkeeping
We can agree bookkeeping and software support to bring your records up to date and keep sales, expenses and bank transactions organised.
Key dates across the tax year
For the 2025/26 tax year, the usual online return and balancing payment deadline is 31 January 2027. Payments on account and Making Tax Digital updates have their own dates where applicable. Tell us about any deadline or HMRC notice when you enquire.
- End of the tax year
- The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Business profits may need adjustment if your accounts use a different year-end.
- Online return submission
- The usual online filing deadline, with the balancing payment and first payment on account due where applicable.
- Second payment on account
- The second payment on account, where required. It is usually half the previous year's relevant Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance bill.
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Tax year ends
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April
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Return + payment
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January
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Payment on account
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July
Frequently asked questions
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
The usual online deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year: 31 January 2027 for 2025/26. The standard paper deadline is 31 October. If Making Tax Digital applies, quarterly updates are due as well as the annual tax return. A notice to file or special circumstances can affect the deadline.
Do sole traders pay National Insurance?
Yes, but the Class 2 rule changed from 6 April 2024. Most sole traders no longer have to pay compulsory Class 2 National Insurance. You still pay Class 4 National Insurance if profits are above the Class 4 thresholds, and you may choose to pay voluntary Class 2 if your profits are low and you want to protect your State Pension record. We check both points with your Self Assessment return.
What are 'Payments on account'?
Payments on account are normally due on 31 January and 31 July. Each is usually half the previous year's relevant Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance bill. They are not normally required if the tax owed was less than £1,000 or more than 80% was paid outside Self Assessment. Capital Gains Tax and student loan repayments are settled separately in the balancing payment.
What expenses can I claim as a sole trader?
Allowable expenses can include business materials, software, insurance and the business portion of eligible travel, phone and home-working costs. Personal spending is excluded. Equipment, vehicles and mixed-use costs have specific rules, and the treatment can depend on your accounting basis. Keep the supporting invoices and records so we can check the claim.
What do you need to get started?
Useful records include sales, expenses, bank statements, your previous return and tax calculation, and details of other income. Tell us when you started trading, whether you are VAT registered and your next deadline. We then agree the work, records needed and fixed fee.
Keep reading
Service
Limited Company Accountants
Ready to incorporate? We handle the transition from sole trader to limited company.
ServiceDigital bookkeeping
Help with sales, expenses and bank records, at an agreed frequency.
GuideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax guide
What Making Tax Digital means for sole traders whose 2024/25 gross qualifying income exceeded £50,000: quarterly updates, digital links, and software requirements.
Official HMRC guidance
These HMRC pages explain digital reporting, National Insurance and advance tax payments for the self-employed.
Discuss your accounts and Self Assessment
Tell us about your business, your records and the next tax deadline. We will discuss the accounts and tax work you need, then provide a written proposal and fixed fee.
Book an initial consultation