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3 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

3 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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3 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 28 January 2026]: There are only 3 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

4 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

4 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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4 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 27 January 2026]: There are only 4 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

5 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

5 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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5 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 26 January 2026]: There are only 5 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Saturday 31 January by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

6 days left to submit your Self-Assessment tax return!

6 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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6 days to the self-assessment tax return deadline.

[As at 25 January 2026]: There are only 6 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

We’ll make filling in and filing your tax return a breeze!

We’re open 7 DAYS A WEEK this week (Sunday 25 January 10 am-5 pm by appointment*). Don’t leave it to the last minute, though, as there is always a bottleneck — come in as soon as you can, please, for professional help with filing of your tax return. We’ll require your records, figures and receipts for the financial year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. Plus any previous years not yet submitted, if applicable.

* As well as a face-to-face meeting, we can do a ‘virtual’ meeting with you, for example, on a telephone call, using Zoom video, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts — or whatever suits you best.

It doesn’t matter if you have zero tax to pay – you still need to submit your tax return if you’re self-employed or fall into a number of other categories.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

* Please note: in busy times like January, a deposit may be required before appointments commence.

1 week to the self-assessment tax return deadline!

1 Week to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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1 week to the self assessment tax return deadline!

[As at 24 January 2026]: There is only 1 week left to file your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax due by HMRC’s 31 January deadline. If you miss that deadline, you risk a £100 HMRC fine right away plus other significant penalties thereafter. Time is running out, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY and we’ll make filling in and filing your tax return easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here
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Taxfile is open this Sunday 25 January 2026 as well as Mondays to Saturdays throughout the month.

We’re Open on Sunday 25 January 2026 — Beat the Tax Return Deadline!

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Taxfile is open this Sunday 25 January 2026 as well as Mondays to Saturdays throughout the month.

With the self-assessment tax return deadline almost upon us, we are opening our Tulse Hill office* this Sunday, 25 January 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm by appointment. That’s in addition to Saturdays, which will remain open, by appointment, for the remainder of January (9 am-5 pm on 24 January) and, of course, weekdays opening hours as usual (see footer). A weekend appointment may be the perfect opportunity to discuss your tax return with us or bring in figures and records without having to disturb your working week. Weekend time slots are limited, though, so please book a free 20-minute appointment as soon as possible if you’d like to visit.

Remember: the tax return deadline is 31 January at 11:59pm and there are penalties for being late.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Tax Return Help
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Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

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Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

[Updated November 2025]: If you’re self-employed in the UK and earn more than £1,000 after allowable deductions, you need to file a self-assessment tax return each year. It’s not only the self-employed, though. If you are on a higher income* or receive untaxed income from things like property rental, tips, commission, savings, investments, dividends, or foreign income, you also have to submit a return. Partners in business partnerships and those who made a capital gain resulting in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) also need to submit a return. You can check here if you’re not sure.

If you do have to fill in a self-assessment tax return, getting all the tax return fields filled in properly and the figures right can sometimes be difficult. That’s where professional help from companies like Taxfile is worth its weight in gold. But what information will your accountant or tax advisor need from you? In today’s guide, we’ll explain exactly what you’ll need to supply.

* (Those earning more than £100,000 for tax years up to and including 2022-23, or over £150,000 for the tax year 2023-24. Higher earners earning only through PAYE for tax years thereafter only need to submit a tax return if their tax was not collected correctly at source). You can check here if you’re not sure.

What Information Do You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return?

If you’re getting help filling in and submitting your tax return through an accountant or tax advisor like Taxfile, a list of what they will need from you follows below. You’ll need to supply information for the right financial tax year, of course, unless you have a different accounting period.

For the purpose of this post today, let’s assume information will be required for the tax year starting on 6 April 2024 and ending on 5 April 2025.

Here’s what will be needed:

Income-related information if applicable:

  • Copies of all employment income documents (P60s, P45s, and P11ds), as well as any unreimbursed employment expenses.
  • Copies of all pension income documents (P60s, state pension notices, etc.).
  • Details of bank and building society interest.
  • Details of all investment income (interest, dividends, etc.), as well as details of any investments that may qualify for relief, such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme.
  • Details of any self-employed income and expenses (schedules and paperwork).
  • Details of any rental income and expenses (schedules and paperwork).
  • Details of any assets that were sold (or gifted) and may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
  • Details of any other income received, including foreign income.

Potential tax relief information:

  • Details of any personal pension contributions made from taxed income.
  • Details of any gifts to charity using Gift Aid.

You’ll also need to confirm if there is any other information that may be relevant to the completion of your tax return.

Personal Information:

If you’re a new client or an existing client who hasn’t supplied them already, you’ll also need to provide the following:

  • A copy of your passport or driver’s licence. This is to comply with ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) and ‘Anti-Money Laundering’ (AML) regulations.
  • Confirmation of any changes to your personal details, such as a change of address.
  • If you or your partner receive Child Benefit, you’ll need to provide details.
  • If you have a student loan, you’ll need to provide details of the amount you paid during the year and the remaining balance as at April 5, 2025.

Once your accountant or tax advisor receives all of your information, they will be in a position to prepare your tax return. Once approved by you, they will be able to submit it to HMRC on your behalf.

Do You Need Help With Your Tax Return?

Taxfile would be delighted to help you with your self-assessment tax return — or any other type of tax return. We prepare and submit hundreds of tax returns every year for our clients as well as offering all the usual accountancy-related services like bookkeeping, VAT returns, end-of-year accounts for limited companies, arranging tax rebates for CIS sub-contractors and others, accounting for capital gains tax (CGT), payroll, auto-enrolment for workplace pensions and much more.  If it involves tax or accounting, we can help!

For help with any tax or accounting matter, call Taxfile on 020 8761 8000 or book your free 20-minute, no-obligation consultation here. Alternatively, send us a message and we’ll come right back to you. We’re tax advisors and accountants in Tulse Hill near Dulwich (SE21) in the South East. We are open 6 days a week during December and January!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

We Open 6 Days a Week This Week!*

* Mon/Tues: 9 am-6 pm, Weds/Thurs: 9 am-5 pm, Fri: 9 am-3 pm as usual. Saturday 31 January 2026: 9 am-6 pm by appointment only.

 

Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

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Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

For many independent professionals, the flexibility and financial benefits of contracting are a significant draw. However, navigating the complexities of UK tax legislation, particularly IR35 (Off-Payroll Working Rules), can be a daunting task. At Taxfile, we understand these challenges and are here to provide clear, actionable insights to help you manage your IR35 status effectively and ensure HMRC compliance.

What is IR35

and Why Does it Matter?

Introduced to tackle “disguised employment,” IR35 aims to ensure that individuals working through an intermediary (like a Personal Service Company or PSC – a limited company set-up to provide the services of a single contractor) who would otherwise be considered employees are taxed appropriately. Getting your IR35 status determination right is crucial, as an incorrect assessment can lead to significant backdated tax bills, interest, and penalties from HMRC.

Essentially, IR35 differentiates between a genuinely self-employed contractor and someone who, despite operating through a PSC, is performing work akin to an employee.

Who Determines Your IR35 Status?

A vital change in recent years is the shift in responsibility for IR35 status determination. Generally, the end client (the company you are contracting for) is now responsible for assessing your IR35 status, unless they qualify as a “small business” or are based overseas. If your client is a small business, the responsibility for determining your status typically remains with you.

When determining status, HMRC takes an “overall view” of the working relationship, considering both the written contract and the actual working practices. No single factor is definitive, but several key areas are heavily weighted.

The Three Key Pillars of IR35 Status

HMRC primarily focuses on three critical areas to test your employment status for tax purposes:

1. Control

This assesses the extent to which your client dictates how, where, and when the work is performed.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — You have significant autonomy over your work delivery, set your own hours (within project scope), and decide your work location.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — Your client dictates your working hours, location, and closely supervises your methods, much like an employee.

2. Personal Service / Right of Substitution

This examines whether you are required to personally provide the services or if you have a genuine right to send a suitably qualified substitute.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — Your contract explicitly allows for a genuine right of substitution, and your client’s acceptance of a substitute is not unduly restrictive. This demonstrates you’re providing a service, not just your personal labour.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — Your client insists that only you perform the work, with no genuine right of substitution.

3. Mutuality of Obligation (MOO)

This considers whether there’s an ongoing obligation for the client to offer work and for you to accept it.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — Your engagement is for a specific project with a defined end date, with no expectation of continuous work or obligation for you to accept further assignments.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — There’s an expectation of ongoing work, regular contract renewals, and an implicit obligation for you to accept work offered, similar to an employment relationship.

Other Important Factors HMRC Considers

Beyond the core three, HMRC also looks at a range of other factors to build a comprehensive picture of your working relationship:

  • Financial Risk — Do you bear any genuine financial risk for the work, such as having to rectify mistakes at your own expense?
  • Provision of Equipment — Do you use your own equipment, or is it provided by the client?
  • Part and Parcel of the Organisation — Are you integrated into the client’s organisation (e.g., attending staff meetings, having an internal email address, receiving employee benefits)?
  • Exclusive Service — Do you work for multiple clients, or are you effectively working exclusively for one?
  • Basis of Payment — Are you paid by the job/project, or on a regular, fixed basis similar to a salary?
  • Intention of the Parties — While not solely determinative, the mutual intention of both parties (as reflected in documentation and practices) to establish a self-employed or employed relationship can be considered.
  • Business on Own Account — Do you operate as a genuine business (e.g., having your own website, business cards, professional indemnity insurance, marketing your services)?

The Status Determination Statement (SDS)

When an end client determines your IR35 status, they are legally required to issue a Status Determination Statement (SDS). This written statement declares your deemed employment status (inside or outside IR35) and provides the reasons for that conclusion. The client must take “reasonable care” when making this determination.

Utilising the CEST Tool

HMRC provides an online tool called Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST), which can assist in determining IR35 status. If the tool is used correctly and all information is entered accurately, HMRC states it will stand by the outcome. You can find it here.

It’s crucial to remember that IR35 status is assessed on a case-by-case basis for each engagement. Both the contractual terms and the actual working practices are considered equally important.

The Impact of Being ‘Inside IR35’

If your contractor engagement is deemed to fall inside IR35, the implications for your take-home pay and financial arrangements can be significant:

  • Your client (or the agency) will generally place you on a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) scheme, deducting Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) at source, similar to a traditional employee. This will directly affect your net income.
  • The expenses you can claim will be significantly limited compared to being outside IR35.
  • You typically won’t be able to pay yourself in tax-efficient company dividends.

Taxfile: Tax & Accountancy Help

Contact Taxfile for help with any tax-related and accountancy issues for individuals, the self-employed, sole traders, limited companies and more. Whether you are confused about your IR35 status, have a one-off accounting-related issue, or require something more regular like payroll handling, Taxfile can help. We excel in bookkeeping, limited company accounts, VAT, taxes, self-assessment tax returns, tax refunds for CIS subcontractors, and many more areas of accountancy and tax. Contact us today — we offer a free 20-minute introductory consultation at our Tulse Hill office in South London or, if preferred, via a simple phone call or video link.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

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UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

Attention UK landlords! The way you manage your property finances and report to HMRC is undergoing a major transformation. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (‘MTD IT’) is no longer a distant whisper – it’s becoming a reality, and Taxfile is here to help you navigate this essential change.

Forget the headache of last-minute annual Self-Assessment tax returns! MTD for Landlords is designed to streamline your landlord tax obligations, demanding a shift to digital record keeping and MTD-compatible software. Don’t get caught unprepared – let’s explore everything you need to know about MTD for landlords and how to ensure a smooth transition.

Unpacking Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Landlords

MTD is a cornerstone of HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system, making it more efficient and accurate. For landlords, this translates into a few key changes:

Mandatory Digital Record Keeping

Bid farewell to paper trails and spreadsheets! You’ll be required to keep all your rental income and expenses in a digital format, using HMRC-recognised software. This includes meticulous details of income received, dates, amounts, sources, and all supporting documents like receipts and invoices.

Quarterly Digital Updates

The biggest shift! Instead of a single annual submission, summaries of your income and expenses are submitted to HMRC every three months through the HMRC-approved software. This offers a more real-time picture of your tax position.

The New “Final Declaration”

At the end of the tax year, a final reconciliation is submitted to HMRC, confirming the accuracy of your quarterly updates and finalising your overall tax liability. This effectively replaces your traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return.

Will MTD for Landlords Affect YOU?

(Key Income Thresholds)

The implementation of MTD for Landlords is phased, so understanding your MTD income threshold is crucial:

  • From April 6, 2026: If your total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeded £50,000 in the 2024-25 tax year, you’ll be mandated into MTD.
  • From April 6, 2027: The requirement expands to landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) over £30,000.
  • From April 6, 2028: The scheme is set to include landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeding £20,000.

Important Consideration: This “income” refers to your gross income before any expenses are deducted. If you jointly own property, the threshold applies to your individual share of the income. Even if your income falls below these thresholds, you have the option to voluntarily sign up for MTD, allowing you to get ahead of the curve.

Finding Your Perfect MTD Landlord Software Solution

To comply with MTD IT, you absolutely must use software that is HMRC-compatible and can communicate directly with HMRC’s systems. This software will be your new best friend for:

  • Maintaining precise digital records of your income and expenses.
  • Submitting your quarterly updates to HMRC with ease.
  • Submitting your final declaration to complete your tax year.

While there are many options for accounting software for landlords MTD, we at Taxfile are particularly impressed with FreeAgent for its user-friendliness and powerful features.

We recommend FreeAgent for MTD IT and digital accounting for landlords.

Why We Recommend FreeAgent for Landlords:

  • Free access potential — FreeAgent is completely free to you while you bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, or have a Mettle Account (just ensure Mettle is set as your primary business account within the software). This is a significant cost-saving for landlords.
  • Tailored for landlords — FreeAgent offers a version specifically designed to meet the unique needs of property owners, including a convenient mobile app for landlords to manage finances on the go.
  • Unincorporated landlord support — FreeAgent is specifically tailored for unincorporated landlords.
  • Automated bank imports — Say goodbye to manual data entry! FreeAgent automatically imports bank transactions, simplifying your landlord bookkeeping.
  • HMRC compatible & user-friendly — It’s fully recognised by HMRC for MTD and boasts an intuitive interface, making it accessible even for those new to digital accounting.
  • Excellent support & training — FreeAgent provides top-notch customer support and comprehensive training resources, helping you get the most out of the software.

Any optional add-ons may be chargeable.

Your Essential MTD Preparation Checklist: Don’t Delay!

MTD is a substantial change, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Assess your income. Confirm your gross property and self-employment income for recent tax years to pinpoint your mandatory MTD start date.
  2. Embrace digital records NOW. Start digitising all your rental income and expenses immediately. This will make the transition to MTD software much easier.
  3. Research & select MTD-compatible software. Explore options like FreeAgent or other HMRC-recognised landlord accounting software that suits your portfolio size and needs.
  4. Get hands-on with your software. Familiarise yourself with your chosen software’s features for record keeping and submitting updates well before the deadlines.
  5. Consider the MTD pilot (if eligible). Voluntarily joining the MTD for Income Tax pilot can provide invaluable experience with the system in a low-pressure environment.
  6. Partner with Taxfile. This is where we come in! Our team at Taxfile is ready to provide expert MTD advice for landlords and guide you every step of the way.

Taxfile is Here to Help You Thrive with MTD!

Navigating new tax legislation can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Taxfile offers comprehensive support for landlords preparing for MTD:

Expert Guidance & Setup

We can answer all your MTD for landlords questions and assist with the initial setup of your chosen software.

Structured Planning

We’ll help you establish monthly goals to ensure your digital tax records are up-to-date, avoiding a last-minute rush before those crucial MTD deadlines.

Bookkeeping & Quarterly Filing Assistance

Whether you need a little help or full involvement, we can assist with your landlord bookkeeping and ensure accurate quarterly submissions.

Don’t let Making Tax Digital for Landlords become a burden. Contact Taxfile today to ensure your property portfolio is MTD-ready and positioned for continued success!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us