When you only have a handful of income sources, it can feel manageable — until additional revenue streams increase, expenses become unclear, or compliance risks rise. For most business owners and company directors, hiring a specialist for an accountant self-assessment provides clarity, accuracy and peace of mind.
While it is entirely possible to file directly with HMRC, using a self-assessment tax return accountant can help you avoid common mistakes, time wasted and costly errors. This guide walks you through how accountant-led self assessment works, who it’s best for, what you’ll pay and whether or not it’s a good option in your case.
What is Accountant Self Assessment?
Accountant self-assessment is when a qualified accountant prepares and submits your self-assessment tax return on your behalf.
Instead of navigating HMRC’s system alone, your accountant will:
- Review income and expense records
- Ensure allowable expenses are correctly applied
- Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance
- Prepare and submit the return to HMRC
- Handle correspondence or queries
A professional self-assessment tax return service goes beyond simply filling in forms. Through experienced outsourced accounting services, it focuses on ensuring compliance, identifying potential risks, and making sure the return aligns with current HMRC guidance.
Who Should Consider a Self-Assessment Tax Return Accountant?
Not all taxpayers require professional guidance. However, for some people, expert help can make a significant difference.
You might consider hiring a self-assessment tax return accountant if you are:
- A company director receiving salary and dividends
- A business owner managing trading income
- A landlord with rental income
- Someone with foreign income or multiple income sources
- A first-time filer unsure about HMRC requirements
Quite a lot of single traders also opt for an accountant for self-employed tax returns, especially if they have significant expenses, capital allowances, or assets that are partly used for personal purposes.
What Does an Accountant Actually Do?
1. Registration and Compliance Review
If required, your accountant will register you for self-assessment and confirm your filing obligations.
2. Financial Record Review
Income records, bank statements, dividend vouchers and expense documentation are checked to ensure they are complete and compliant. Accurate records maintained through reliable bookkeeping services significantly reduce preparation time and compliance risk.
3. Expense Assessment
Allowable expenses are checked against HMRC rules to ensure accuracy. This can reduce the risk of overclaiming or underclaiming. Allowable expense rules are outlined in HMRC’s official guidance for self-employed expenses.
4. Tax Calculation
Your accountant calculates:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance contributions
- Payments on account (if applicable)
5. Submission and HMRC Liaison
The tax return is filed online, and the accountant handles any HMRC correspondence.
Using a professional self-assessment tax return service ensures the process is managed methodically and in accordance with current tax legislation.
Filing Yourself vs Using an Accountant
Many business owners initially ask: Can I just do this myself?
The answer depends on complexity and confidence.
| Area | Filing Independently | Using an Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | High | Lower |
| Knowledge of tax rules | Essential | Accountant-managed |
| Risk of mistakes | Higher | Reduced |
| Expense optimisation | Limited | More thorough |
| HMRC communication | Self-managed | Accountant-managed |
Do I Need an Accountant for Self-Assessment?
A common question is: do I need an accountant for self-assessment?
You may not need one if:
- You have a single employment income
- You have minimal additional revenue
- Your expenses are straightforward
- You are comfortable using the HMRC’s online system
However, an accountant becomes increasingly beneficial when:
- Income comes from various sources
- Dividend planning is involved
- Business and personal finances overlap
- You want confidence that the calculations are right
- You prefer to reduce compliance risks
Self-Assessment Accountant Cost: What to Expect
Typical Self-Assessment Accountant Cost Ranges
- Simple return: £150 – £300
- Multiple income sources: £300 – £500
- Complex or high-income returns: £500+
The Self Assessment tax return accountant cost more often than not covers the accountant’s time to review your records, apply the rules correctly and submit the return.
Although expensive, it is also considered by many companies to be a component of professional compliance costs. In most instances, accounting fees that are associated with business income qualify as deductions (but only the part of it related to the business).
Are Accountant Fees Tax Deductible?
If the work is associated with business income the cost of employing an accountant for Self Assessment can generally be treated as an allowable expense.
If any part of the service relates strictly to personal income, that portion won’t be eligible. It’s best to have an itemised cost breakdown to support the claim.
Choosing the Right Accountant for Self-Assessment
Not all services are identical. When selecting a provider, consider:
- Experience handling self-assessment tax returns
- Familiarity with director and self-employed tax issues
- Transparent pricing structure
- Clear communication and defined scope
- Ongoing support beyond submission
Common Questions About Accountant Self-Assessment
Can an accountant submit my return on my behalf?
What if an error is discovered after submission?
Is professional support worth the cost?
What records should I keep?
Maintain:
- Income invoices
- Dividend vouchers
- Bank statements
- Expense receipts
- Payroll records (if applicable)
The Value of Professional Oversight
Self Assessment is more than simply submitting a form — it involves accurately reporting your financial position in line with UK tax law.
Using a professional for an accountant self-assessment can:
- Reduce filing stress
- Improve accuracy
- Lower compliance risk
- Provide clarity on tax liabilities
- Save valuable management time
Final Thoughts
Whilst it’s your choice to file yourself, or take the services of a self-assessment tax return accountant, there are a few more fundamentals when/if you decide to submit: Making sure that your return is properly inputted and carefully submitted on time.
If your finances are becoming more complex, or you’re unsure which expenses you can claim, a self-assessment tax return service can provide the structure and support you need.
Considering whether to engage an accountant helps you decide whether it is simply a “nice to have” or genuinely necessary to maintain compliance and reduce risk. Contact us today to discuss your situation and ensure your tax return is handled with confidence and accuracy.