Self Assessment FAQ
Do I need an accountant for Self Assessment?
No, it is not required. HMRC lets you file your own return for free. The real question is whether your tax is simple enough to do yourself, or complex enough that an accountant saves you more than the fee.
A quick test
DIY or hire? It comes down to complexity
You can probably DIY if...
- You have one main PAYE job and simple extra income
- Small amounts of bank interest or dividends
- You are confident using the HMRC online service
- Your records are tidy and your situation has not changed
An accountant is worth it if...
- You are self-employed or a freelancer with business expenses
- You have rental income from property
- You have Capital Gains, foreign income or multiple income streams
- You want to be sure you are claiming every allowance and relief
Questions
Self Assessment, your questions answered
Do I need an accountant for Self Assessment?
No, it is not a legal requirement. HMRC lets you file your own Self Assessment online for free. Whether you should use an accountant comes down to how complex your tax is and how confident you feel. Simple returns are very doable yourself; once you add self-employment, property or capital gains, an accountant often saves more than they cost.
Can I do my own tax return without an accountant?
Yes. If you have a straightforward situation, for example one PAYE job plus a little savings interest, you can register and file directly with HMRC online. Just remember you remain legally responsible for the accuracy of the return, and the deadline is 31 January for online filing.
When is it worth getting an accountant for Self Assessment?
It is usually worth it when your return involves self-employment income and expenses, rental property, Capital Gains Tax, dividends or foreign earnings, or simply when you do not have the time or confidence to do it carefully. In those cases an accountant typically finds reliefs and allowances that offset the fee, and removes the risk of a costly mistake.
How much does an accountant charge for a Self Assessment?
Most personal tax returns cost between £150 and £400 plus VAT. Simple returns sit at the lower end; returns with self-employment, property, dividends or foreign income push higher because they take more work. See our pricing page or ask us for a fixed quote.
Am I still responsible if my accountant files my return?
Yes. Even when an accountant prepares and submits your Self Assessment, you remain legally responsible for the information in it. That is exactly why it pays to use someone qualified and careful, so the figures are right and nothing is missed.
Will an accountant get me a bigger refund?
Not by inventing anything, but a good accountant makes sure you claim every allowable expense, allowance and relief you are genuinely entitled to, which many people miss when filing alone. On a more complex return that can mean a meaningfully lower tax bill or a larger refund.
Related: how much does an accountant cost? · accountants for the self-employed · who needs to file a return? · how to fill in a return
Official guidance: GOV.UK, Self Assessment tax returns.
Rather not face the January deadline alone?
We prepare and file your Self Assessment, claim what you are entitled to, and tell you exactly what to pay. Fixed fee, no last-minute panic.