Tax returns for sole traders, landlords and company directors, prepared accurately and on time, with advice that doesn't stop at filing.
Your tax return sorted, and no surprises in January
As a Self Assessment accountant in Kent, we prepare tax returns for people who are self-employed, rent out property or have income outside a company. We file it accurately and on time, and we look at your tax during the year, so you know what's coming.
A lot of people leave their return until the last few weeks, then find out what they owe when it's too late to do much about it. We'd rather work it out with you earlier, while there's still time to put money aside.
HMRC expected 12,029,168 Self Assessment returns for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, and an estimated 1 million customers missed the 31 January deadline. Late filing starts with an initial £100 penalty, with further charges building up after 3, 6 and 12 months.
Why Kent business owners choose Swift for Self Assessment
- Your return prepared accurately and filed on time, every year
- Your tax looked at during the year, so you know what's coming and can put money aside
- Advice on expenses, losses and payments on account, so you don't pay more than you need to
- A Chartered Certified Accountancy practice (ACCA)
- Based near Ashford, so you can meet us face to face
Want to know what you owe before January?
Book a short call and we'll talk through your income, what's due and when.
Self Assessment tax returns explained
Self Assessment is how HMRC collects tax that hasn't already been taken at source. If you're a sole trader, your Income Tax and National Insurance are based on your business profits, not simply on how much money you take out of the business. The same return is used to report rental income, dividends and other income that hasn't been taxed. The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Your online return is due by 31 January after the tax year ends, and any tax you owe is due on the same day.
If your tax bill is over £1,000, you may also have to make payments on account towards the following year's bill, which can make your first January payment surprisingly large. We'll help you plan for it. Business expenses reduce the profit you pay tax on, and you may be able to claim the business share of costs that have both business and personal use. If you've made a loss, it's still worth reporting, as it can sometimes be set against other income or carried forward against future profits.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax covers self-employment and property income, but not dividends or employment income. It applies to people with qualifying income over £30,000 from April 2027 (over £50,000 since April 2026, and over £20,000 from April 2028). You'll need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, as well as your year-end return. If it affects you, we'll help you get ready.
What's included
Return Preparation & Submission
- Your Self Assessment return prepared and filed with HMRC
- Self-employed, rental, dividend and other income brought together in one place
- Allowable expenses claimed correctly, with the rules explained where there's a personal element
Deadlines & Payments on Account
- Deadlines managed, so nothing is left to the last minute
- Clear guidance on what's due in January, including payments on account
- A review of whether payments on account should be reduced if your profits have fallen
Tax Planning
- An estimate of your Income Tax and National Insurance during the year, so you have time to plan for the bill
- Pension contributions considered as part of your wider planning
- Guidance on putting money aside for tax, so January doesn't catch you out
Ongoing Support
- Help getting ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if it applies to you
- A regular look at whether sole trader is still the right structure, or whether a limited company would suit you better
- A call before the bigger decisions, such as buying a vehicle or equipment, taking premises, registering for VAT or employing someone
If your business needs support with more than your personal tax return, take a look at Limited Company Accounts, Payroll & CIS or VAT Returns & Advice. You can see how we've helped other business owners in our case studies.
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FAQs about Self Assessment Tax Returns
Click to expand or get in touch if you have other questions.
Do I need to file a Self Assessment return?
You'll usually need to file a Self Assessment return if you're self-employed as a sole trader, receive rental income, or have other income that hasn't been taxed, such as dividends. If you're not sure, ask us and we'll tell you where you stand.
I've just started working for myself. What do I need to do?
If you've just started working for yourself, you'll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and complete a Self Assessment return each year. The usual deadline for telling HMRC is 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started trading. We'd also recommend opening a separate business bank account and keeping your records up to date from the start, as it makes everything easier later.
When is my Self Assessment deadline?
Your Self Assessment deadline for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027, for both your online return and any tax owed. Paper returns are due earlier, by 31 October 2026. The deadlines are the same each year, with 31 January following the end of the tax year.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the Self Assessment deadline, late filing starts with a £100 penalty. After 3 months, daily penalties of £10 apply up to £900, and further charges apply after 6 and 12 months, along with penalties and interest for late payment. If you've already missed a deadline, speak to us as soon as you can and we'll talk you through the next steps.
What are payments on account?
Payments on account are advance payments towards next year's bill, and you may have to make them if your tax bill is over £1,000. The first one falls due in January alongside what you owe for the year just ended, which is why that payment can be so large. If your profits have gone down, we can check whether you can reduce your payments.
Should I stay a sole trader or set up a limited company?
Whether you should stay a sole trader or set up a limited company depends on your situation. Sole trader is often a great place to start, but it doesn't have to be where you stay. As your profits increase, or if you're taking on employees or scaling up, it's worth comparing your current position with operating through a limited company. We can run the numbers with you and explain the practical and tax differences, and if you're already a company director, your personal return is part of our Limited Company Accounts service.
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