Self-Assessment Tax Return FAQs (UK)
Everything you need to know about filing your Self-Assessment tax return in the UK — explained clearly by experienced accountants.
Vales Accounting has been preparing Self-Assessment tax returns for over 15 years for self-employed professionals, landlords and company directors nationwide.
If your question isn’t listed below, contact our team.
General Self-Assessment Questions
Q. What is a Self-Assessment tax return?
A.
A Self-Assessment tax return is the system used by HMRC to collect Income Tax from individuals whose income is not fully taxed at source.
This includes self-employed income, rental income, dividends, foreign income and other untaxed earnings.
The return must be submitted annually.
Q. Who needs to file a Self-Assessment tax return in the UK?
A.
You typically need to file if you are:
- Self-employed
- A freelancer or consultant
- A landlord receiving rental income
- A company director
- Receiving dividends or additional untaxed income
- Claiming certain reliefs
If you are unsure, we can assess your position.
Q. When is the Self-Assessment deadline?
A.
For online submissions, the deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year.
Late filing can result in automatic penalties from HMRC.
Q. What happens if I file late?
A.
HMRC issues an automatic £100 penalty for late filing, with additional penalties accruing over time.
Filing early reduces stress and risk.
Pricing & Service Questions
Q. How much does a Self-Assessment tax return cost?
A.
Our fixed fee for one-off professional filing is £165.
We also offer a structured monthly support plan (TaxCare 360™) at £15 per month, which includes annual filing and ongoing tax guidance.
Q. Are there hidden fees?
A.
No. Our pricing is transparent.
If additional work is required due to complexity, we discuss this clearly before proceeding.
Q. What’s included in the £165 fixed fee?
A.
- Full income and expense review
- Tax efficiency checks
- HMRC-compliant submission
- Email support until filing
- Professional guarantees
Q. Can I upgrade to monthly support later?
A.
Yes. Many clients begin with one-off filing and later upgrade to TaxCare 360™ for year-round clarity and proactive advice.
Self-Employed Questions
Q. What expenses can I claim as self-employed?
A.
Allowable expenses may include:
- Office costs
- Travel
- Equipment
- Professional fees
- Marketing
- Utilities (where applicable)
We review your expenses to ensure compliance and tax efficiency.
Q. Do I need to keep receipts?
A.
Yes. HMRC requires accurate record keeping. Under Making Tax Digital, digital records may also be required.
Landlord Questions
Q. Can I deduct mortgage interest on rental properties?
A.
Mortgage interest relief is restricted under current UK tax rules and calculated differently than in previous years.
We ensure it is applied correctly in your tax return.
Q. Can I claim property repairs?
A.
Repairs and maintenance are typically allowable. However, capital improvements are treated differently.
Correct classification is essential.
Q. What if I own multiple properties?
A.
We calculate combined rental income and allowable expenses as part of your return.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) Questions
Q. What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?
A.
Making Tax Digital is a government initiative requiring eligible individuals to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.
It affects certain self-employed individuals and landlords above the qualifying income threshold.
Q. Will I need to submit quarterly tax returns?
A.
If you fall under MTD for Income Tax, you may need to submit four quarterly updates plus a final annual declaration.
Q. Do you provide MTD software?
A.
Yes. Our MTD support plans include access to compatible digital systems and structured compliance management.
HMRC & Compliance Questions
Q. What if HMRC contacts me?
A.
If we prepared your Self-Assessment tax return, we provide support under our Tax Return Lifetime Guarantee™.
We stand behind our work.
Q. How long can HMRC investigate my tax return?
A.
HMRC can enquire into returns for several years after submission, depending on circumstances.
Structured compliance reduces risk.
Q. Is using an accountant better than doing it myself?
A.
While simple returns can sometimes be completed independently, many individuals:
- Miss allowable deductions
- Overpay tax
- Misclassify expenses
- Make compliance errors
Professional review reduces risk and provides clarity.
Subscription & Ongoing Support Questions
Q. What is TaxCare 360™?
A.
TaxCare 360™ is our structured monthly support plan at £15 per month.
It includes:
- Annual Self-Assessment filing
- Ongoing accountant access
- Proactive tax planning
- Annual financial review
- MTD-ready systems
- Priority communication
It is ideal for freelancers and landlords who prefer structured oversight.
Q. Is the monthly plan mandatory?
A.
No. You can choose one-off filing or ongoing support.
We simply provide options based on your needs.
Q. Why Choose Vales Accounting?
A.
No. You can choose one-off filing or ongoing support.
We simply provide options based on your needs.
- 15+ years of UK accounting experience
- Established accounting firm (not a marketplace)
- Transparent pricing
- Structured compliance support
- Professional guarantees
- National UK coverage
We combine traditional accounting standards with modern digital systems.
