No, you do not legally need an accountant to file a Self Assessment tax return — HMRC allows individuals to submit their own. However, many self-employed individuals, landlords, company directors and people with multiple income sources choose to use an accountant to reduce mistakes, save time and identify legitimate tax-saving opportunities that often outweigh the fee.
Yes — you can file your own Self Assessment.
HMRC provides an online Self Assessment system that allows taxpayers to submit their own tax returns. Many people successfully complete their own returns each year, particularly those with straightforward circumstances.
Once additional income sources are involved, the process becomes more complex — and many taxpayers choose to work with an accountant at that point.
A good accountant does far more than simply submit a tax return. Here is what a Self Assessment accountant typically helps with:
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Review income sources | Ensures nothing is missed |
| Identify allowable expenses | Potentially reduces tax liability |
| Calculate tax liabilities | Improves accuracy and compliance |
| Review tax reliefs | Helps maximise legitimate claims |
| Submit returns to HMRC | Reduces compliance risks |
| Advise on future tax planning | Helps reduce future liabilities |
| Deal with HMRC queries | Provides professional representation |
Key takeaway: Many clients find that the tax saved through working with an accountant exceeds the accountant's fee.
While not everyone needs an accountant, there are specific situations where professional advice is often worthwhile.
Self-employed individuals must calculate business income, allowable expenses, capital allowances, tax liabilities and National Insurance contributions. An accountant helps ensure expenses are claimed correctly and profits are calculated accurately — reducing the risk of an HMRC enquiry.
Online Self Assessment Tax Return Services →Rental income often involves mortgage interest restrictions, property expenses, capital expenditure, joint ownership arrangements and capital gains tax considerations. Many landlords use accountants to ensure compliance and identify tax planning opportunities that more than cover the fee.
Accountant Self Assessment Fees Guide →Directors often receive income from multiple sources including salary, dividends, benefits in kind, rental income and investments. This combination can make Self Assessment significantly more complex. An accountant ensures all income is reported correctly across the right sections.
Limited Company Accountants →The more income streams you have, the greater the risk of errors, missed income, incorrect calculations and HMRC penalties. A professional review from an experienced accountant provides reassurance and helps keep everything compliant.
Affordable Accountancy Services →You may not need an accountant if your tax affairs are straightforward and you feel confident handling your own return.
Your affairs are straightforward
You are comfortable using HMRC's online system
You understand current tax rules
You keep accurate records throughout the year
You are happy preparing your own tax return
Even then, some still choose an accountant for peace of mind
Often, yes. Many taxpayers focus only on the accountant's fee rather than the value an accountant provides. A good accountant may help identify savings that exceed the cost of the tax return several times over.
Remember: The real question is not just "what does an accountant cost?" but "what could getting it wrong cost me?" HMRC penalties start at £100 for late filing and can escalate significantly.
Filing errors can lead to HMRC enquiries, penalties, interest charges and additional tax liabilities. Here are the most common mistakes taxpayers make when filing without an accountant:
Using an accountant significantly reduces these risks. Professional review catches errors before submission.
Accountant fees vary depending on the complexity of your tax affairs. Here are typical UK fee ranges for different types of tax returns:
| Type of Return | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Simple tax return (employment only) | £150 – £250 |
| Self-employed sole trader return | £250 – £500 |
| Landlord tax return | £250 – £450 |
| Company director tax return | £200 – £450 |
| Multiple income sources | £350 – £750+ |
Yes. Many taxpayers now use online accountants because they offer the same expertise as traditional high-street firms — often at more competitive rates and with greater flexibility.
Encrypted portals for uploading personal and financial documents
Email, phone and video calls — no need to visit an office
Transparent pricing with no hidden charges or surprises
Serve clients across the entire UK, not limited by location
Access records and returns from anywhere at any time
No city-centre office costs — savings passed to clients
Providing complete, organised records helps reduce your accountant's fee and speeds up the preparation process. Here is what most accountants will ask for:
Many taxpayers spend hours trying to understand tax rules and complete returns. An accountant handles the entire process for you, freeing up your time.
Knowing a qualified professional has reviewed your return provides genuine peace of mind. Tax season doesn't have to be a source of anxiety.
Professional review dramatically reduces the likelihood of mistakes, missed claims and HMRC penalties. Your return is filed correctly first time.
A good accountant looks beyond the current year's tax return and helps you plan ahead — identifying opportunities to structure your affairs more tax-efficiently for future years.
Not necessarily — you can file your own return if you feel confident doing so. However, many self-employed individuals choose to use accountants because:
Tax rules change regularly
Keeping up with HMRC changes is time-consuming
Expenses can be complex
Knowing what is allowable vs disallowable matters
Time is valuable
Hours spent on tax could be spent growing your business
Tax planning opportunities
An accountant sees savings you may miss on your own
The answer depends on your circumstances. If your tax affairs are simple and you are comfortable dealing with HMRC, you may be able to complete your own return. However, if you are self-employed, a landlord, a company director or have multiple income sources, an accountant can often save you time, reduce stress and potentially identify tax savings that more than cover the fee.
Whether you need a one-off tax return or ongoing support, our experienced accountants can help ensure your return is accurate, compliant and submitted on time.
Helpful resources from Taxwise Accountancy: