Professional Self Assessment Tax Return Services
Stress-Free Tax Filing. Maximum Efficiency. Total Peace of Mind.
Dealing with HMRC, navigating complex tax legislation, and ensuring you claim every allowable expense can be overwhelming. For many sole traders, landlords, and company directors in the UK, the annual Self Assessment tax return is a major source of stress.
At Mac&G Accounting, we turn that stress into certainty. We provide a comprehensive, fully managed Self Assessment service designed to save you time, legally minimise your tax liability, and ensure you never miss a deadline.
Whether you are a freelancer, high earner, property owner, or business director, our qualified tax professionals handle the paperwork so you can focus on running your business.
Why You Need Professional Support with Your Tax Return
Many individuals attempt to file their own tax returns, only to feel overwhelmed by technical terminology or, worse, face penalties for mistakes or late submissions. While the HMRC online system is user-friendly, the underlying tax legislation is complex.
The Risks of Filing Your Own Return
Overpaying Tax
Without expert knowledge of allowable expenses and capital allowances, you may pay significantly more tax than necessary.
Costly Errors
Simple input mistakes can trigger HMRC compliance checks or automatic penalties.
Time-Consuming Administration
Gathering receipts, reconciling figures, and navigating the Government Gateway can take hours—sometimes days—of valuable time.
The Mac&G Accounting Advantage
Our role is not simply to file a return. We optimise your tax position.
We review your financial situation holistically, ensuring every figure is accurate, and every available relief is claimed. As your authorised agent, we deal directly with HMRC on your behalf—so you do not have to spend time on hold or manage technical correspondence yourself.
Who Needs to File a Self Assessment Tax Return?
You may need to file a Self Assessment return if you fall into one of the following categories:
Sole Traders
You run your own business and earned more than £1,000 (the Trading Allowance) during the tax year.
Landlords
You receive rental income from property or land in the UK or overseas.
Company Directors
Although directors are taxed under PAYE, many must submit a return to declare dividends or benefits in kind.
High Earners
Your income (or your partner’s income) exceeds £100,000, or you are subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Foreign Income
You have overseas income that must be declared to HMRC.
Capital Gains
You have sold assets (such as property or shares) and may be liable for Capital Gains Tax.
Untaxed Income
You received income that was not taxed at source, such as commissions, tips, savings interest, or freelance work.
What Is Included in Our Self Assessment Service?
We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. However, our standard service covers every stage of the compliance process.
HMRC Registration and Agent Authorisation
If you are newly self-employed, we register you with HMRC and obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). We also arrange agent authorisation so we can act on your behalf.
Income Review and Reconciliation
We gather and review all sources of income, including self-employment earnings, employment income (P60/P45), dividends, interest, and rental income. All figures are reconciled accurately.
Professional Expense Review
This is where we add significant value. We carefully analyse your expenditure to identify allowable expenses, including:
- Office costs (stationery, telephone, utilities)
- Travel costs (fuel, parking, public transport)
- Work clothing (uniforms and protective clothing)
- Staff and subcontractor costs
- Cost of goods and materials
- Legal and professional fees
- Marketing and advertising
- Use of home as office
We calculate the most beneficial and compliant method of claiming home expenses where applicable.
Capital Allowances Calculation
If you have purchased business assets such as equipment, vehicles, or machinery, we calculate available capital allowances, including the Annual Investment Allowance.
Accurate Tax Calculation
Using professional tax software, we calculate your Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (Class 2 and Class 4). We also assess eligibility for allowances such as Marriage Allowance or Blind Person’s Allowance.
Payments on Account Review
We determine whether Payments on Account apply and, where income has reduced, we can apply to reduce future instalments to protect your cash flow.
Submission to HMRC
Once you approve the draft return, we submit it electronically to HMRC and provide confirmation of submission.
Payment Guidance
We provide clear instructions outlining payment amounts, deadlines, and methods to ensure you avoid interest and penalties.
HMRC Enquiry Support
If HMRC opens a compliance check into a return we have prepared, we provide full professional support throughout the process.
Our Simple 5-Step Process
We have streamlined our service to make it straightforward and efficient.
Initial Consultation
We discuss your circumstances and income sources.
Document Collection
You upload documents securely via our cloud portal.
Preparation & Optimisation
We prepare your return and apply all relevant reliefs.
Review
You receive a draft copy and a clear summary of your tax position.
Submission
Upon approval, we file your return with HMRC.
Key Deadlines You Must Know
In the UK tax system, timing is everything. Missing a deadline results in automatic penalties, which escalate the longer the return remains outstanding.
5 October
Deadline to register for Self Assessment if newly self-employed.
31 October
Deadline for paper returns (we file online for extended time).
31 January
Deadline for online submission and payment of your tax liability.
Filing early does not mean paying early—it simply gives you clarity and time to plan.
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
The UK government is gradually introducing Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. This will require sole traders and landlords to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates.
By choosing Mac&G Accounting, you are preparing your business for this transition. We use MTD-compliant software and will guide you when it becomes mandatory for your income level.
Contact Us Today
Do not let tax deadlines disrupt your peace of mind.
Let professionals handle your tax affairs while you focus on growing your business.
Mac&G Accounting
Call us at: 0752 5726 214
Email: office@accountingserviceuk.co.uk
Visit us: 24 Seasprite Close, Northolt, UB5 6BT
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About UK Self Assessment Tax
Here are answers to the most common questions regarding the Self Assessment system in the UK.
1. What is the deadline for filing my Self Assessment tax return?
For the vast majority of people, the deadline is 31st January following the end of the tax year (which ends on 5th April). This is the deadline for filing your return online AND paying any tax you owe.
- Example: For the tax year 6th April 2023 to 5th April 2024, the deadline is 31st January 2025.
- If you choose to file a paper return (which is becoming rarer), the deadline is earlier: 31st October.
2. What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
HMRC is strict regarding deadlines.
- One day late: You will receive an automatic £100 fixed penalty, even if you have no tax to pay or have already paid the tax.
- 3 months late: Daily penalties of £10 per day can be charged, up to a maximum of £900.
- 6 months late: An additional penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is greater).
- 12 months late: Another 5% or £300 charge.
There are also interest charges on any unpaid tax.
3. Do I need to file a return if I am employed (PAYE)?
Generally, no. Your employer deducts tax before paying you. However, you must file a return if:
- You earn over £100,000 per year.
- You have untaxed income from other sources (rental, dividends, freelance work) exceeding certain thresholds.
- You want to claim expenses over £2,500.
- You or your partner receive Child Benefit and your income is over £50,000 (you may need to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge).
4. What are “Payments on Account”?
This often catches people out. If your tax bill is more than £1,000, you are usually required to make payments towards next year’s tax bill in advance.
- These are made in two instalments: 31st January and 31st July.
- Each payment is generally 50% of your previous year’s tax bill.
- If you expect your income to be lower next year, we can help you apply to reduce these payments.
5. What records do I need to keep?
You must keep records of all your business income and expenses. This includes:
- Sales invoices and receipts for business expenses.
- Bank statements.
- PAYE records (P60, P45, P11D) if you are also employed.
- Details of any grants claimed.
You must keep these records for at least 5 years after the 31st January submission deadline of the relevant tax year (for self-employed).
6. Can I claim for using my car?
Yes. You can claim for business travel. You cannot claim for commuting between your home and a permanent workplace. There are two ways to calculate this:
- Simplified Expenses (Mileage Rate): You claim a flat rate per mile (currently 45p for the first 10,000 miles, and 25p thereafter). This covers fuel, insurance, repairs, and servicing.
- Actual Costs: You track every expense related to the vehicle and claim a percentage based on business use vs. personal use.
We can calculate which method saves you more money.
7. What is the “Trading Allowance”?
The Trading Allowance is a tax exemption of up to £1,000 a year for individuals with trading, casual, or miscellaneous income. If your gross income from self-employment is £1,000 or less, you do not need to register with HMRC or file a return (unless you want to voluntarily pay Class 2 NI to build state pension entitlement). If you earn more than £1,000, you can deduct this allowance from your income instead of claiming actual expenses—we will advise if this is beneficial for you.
8. How do I pay my tax bill?
HMRC accepts various payment methods, but you can no longer pay by credit card at the Post Office. Common methods include:
- Direct Debit.
- Online or telephone banking (Faster Payments).
- Debit card or corporate credit card online.
- At your bank or building society.
Ensure you leave enough time for the payment to clear before the 31st January deadline.
9. Can I amend my tax return after filing?
Yes. If you realize you made a mistake (e.g., forgot an invoice or missed an expense receipt), you can amend your tax return up to 12 months after the submission deadline (31st January). We can handle these amendments for you to ensure your record is accurate.
10. Do I have to pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance?
If you are self-employed:
- Class 2 NI: This is a flat weekly rate (though now often treated as a zero-rated for many, but paid voluntarily to protect State Pension if profits are low).
- Class 4 NI: This is based on your profits. You pay a percentage on profits between the Lower Profits Limit and the Upper Profits Limit, and a different percentage on profits above that.
Your National Insurance is calculated as part of your Self Assessment tax return and paid at the same time as your Income Tax.