Preparing for and submitting a self assessment tax return can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time doing so. Throughout our decades of experience in helping individuals with this task, we have learnt that preparation is truly key to success.
To help you make sure you have all the relevant documents and information needed, we have put together a checklist for you to follow each and every year you fill in your tax return.
Do you need to submit a tax return?
You must submit a tax return to HMRC if you apply to any of the following within the last complete tax year.
- You were self employed as a sole trader and earned more than £1,000 (before taking off anything you can claim tax relief on)
- You were a partner in a business partnership
You may also need to submit a return if you have received any untaxed income such as:
- Covid-19 grant or support payments
- Money from renting out property
- Tips and commission
- Income from savings, investments and dividends
- Foreign income
If you’re still not sure whether you need to submit a tax return this year, click here.
What do you need to have ready to be able to file your tax return?
To save you time and stress, it is important to have all of the following documents, information and figures to hand before you start filling out your tax return form. You may not need all of these (depending on your circumstances), but have them ready just in case.
- Your National Insurance number
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
- Your P45 (if applicable)
- Your P60 (if applicable)
- Company name, address and phone number
- Your business’ annual income and expenditure
- Income earned from any other employment
- Any rent you have received
- Interest paid on loans or credit cards
- Any savings you have
- Certificates detailing interest
- Income from overseas
- Income received from a partnership
- Any dividends received
- Benefits received either from the government or an employer
- Capital gains received
- Gift aid received
- Pension contributions
- Tax payments you’ve already made this year
- All expenses receipts – you may be able to claim back certain business expenses such as:
- Travel
- Staff
- Premises
- Legal and financial services
- Clothing
- Marketing
- Subscriptions
- Entertainment
- View the full list of accepted business expenses here.
Turas’ Top Tip
When it comes to completing your self assessment tax return form, it is important to take your time and read everything thoroughly. You can save your online form part way through, and come back to it later. One small mistake could lead to penalties and investigations. Make sure you are submitting the correct information.
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Do you need help with preparing for, or completing your self assessment tax return?
Give the Turas team a call on 01952 882434 and we can talk you through the whole process.