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

November 7, 2025/in 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, Accountancy, Accountants, Dulwich, Income tax, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Sole traders, South London, Tax, Tax advice, Tax advisors, Tax return, Tax returns, Tulse Hill/by Mark

[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

For opening times, please see the footer of this website.

Tax Refunds After Redundancy: Claiming Your Cash Back – A Guide

Tax Refunds After Redundancy: Claiming Your Cash Back – A Taxfile Guide

July 22, 2025/in Redundancy, Tax, tax rebates, Tax refunds/by Taxfile

If you’ve recently lost your job and are wondering how tax refunds on redundancy payments work and are considering claiming back tax you may have overpaid, you’ve come to the right place. Being made redundant is a challenging time, both emotionally and financially. Amongst the many adjustments, understanding your tax position might feel like an unwelcome extra burden. However, here at Taxfile, we know that many individuals who experience redundancy are actually due a tax refund or tax rebate. So, we’re here to cut through the jargon and help you get back what you’re owed.

Why You Might Be Due a Tax Refund After Redundancy

The PAYE Puzzle

The UK’s Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system is designed for a consistent annual salary. When your employment ends part-way through a tax year (which runs from 6th April to 5th April), your employer has likely been deducting tax based on the assumption you’d earn that full year’s salary. This often leads to an overpayment and a potential tax rebate after redundancy.

Here’s why this “PAYE puzzle” often results in an overpayment:

Annual Tax Calculation: The Unfinished Year — Your Income Tax liability is calculated for the entire tax year. If your income stops or significantly reduces due to redundancy, your actual annual earnings will be lower than anticipated. This means you’ve paid too much tax upfront on income you ultimately didn’t earn for the full year.
Emergency Tax Codes: A Common Culprit — Sometimes, a final payment or even the redundancy payment itself can be processed with an emergency tax code (like 0T M1). These codes deduct tax at a higher, non-cumulative rate, often leading to a larger tax deduction than necessary. It’s a “better safe than sorry” approach by HMRC that often means you’re overpaying.
Income Below Personal Allowance: The Tax-Free Threshold — For the 2024/2025 tax year, most people have a Personal Allowance of £12,570 – this is the amount you can earn tax-free. If your total income for the year, including any taxable redundancy elements, falls below this threshold, you’ll have paid tax unnecessarily on earnings that should have been exempt.

Understanding Tax on Redundancy Payments

Unpacking Your Package

This is often the most confusing part, and it’s where many people miss out. Not all money you receive when leaving a job is treated the same way for tax. Knowing the difference is key to calculating your potential refund.

The £30,000 Tax-Free Golden Rule — The first £30,000 of your genuine redundancy payment (compensation for loss of employment) is completely tax-free. This is a significant benefit designed to help individuals during this transition.
What’s Taxable Above £30,000? Any portion of your redundancy payment that exceeds £30,000 is subject to Income Tax at your marginal rate. Crucially, this excess is not subject to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which is an important distinction from regular earnings.
Other Payments That Are ALWAYS Taxable (Beware the “Hidden Taxables”) — Be aware that some payments in your redundancy package are always taxable as normal earnings, regardless of the £30,000 threshold. These include:
- Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON) — Whether it’s contractual or non-contractual, money paid instead of working your notice period is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance.
- Accrued Holiday Pay — Payments for any untaken annual leave.
- Outstanding Wages, Bonuses, or Commission — Any pay for work you’ve already done or earned.
- Restrictive Covenants — Payments for agreeing not to work for a competitor, for example.

Taxfile Insight: It’s vital not to simply assume your employer has calculated everything correctly. Over or underpayments can occur, and it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure you’re paying (and reclaiming) the right amount of tax. We’ve seen many cases where a simple check of the redundancy payslip reveals significant overpayments.

How to Claim Your Tax Refund

Your Options (And How Taxfile Can Help)

The method for claiming back tax after redundancy largely depends on your individual circumstances. Here are the common routes:

The All-Important P45 — Your employer must provide you with a P45 when you leave. This crucial document summarises your pay and tax deductions for the current tax year. Keep all parts safe – you’ll need Parts 2 and 3 for most claims!
If You Remain Unemployed (for 4+ weeks) and Don’t Claim Taxable Benefits:
- You can often get an in-year refund by completing a Form P50 (“Claiming tax back when you’ve stopped working”). You’ll send this to HMRC along with Parts 2 and 3 of your P45.
- Alternatively, you can claim your refund online via your HMRC Personal Tax Account – this is often the quickest and most straightforward route if you’re comfortable with online services.
If You Start a New Job Quickly (within 4 weeks):
- Hand Parts 2 and 3 of your P45 to your new employer. They should then adjust your tax code, and any overpaid tax should be refunded through your new salary via PAYE. It may take a couple of pay cycles to see the adjustment.
If You Claim Taxable Benefits:
- If you’re claiming benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance or Carer’s Allowance (which are taxable), the Benefit Office will typically manage your tax refund as your benefits affect your overall tax position. You’ll need to send them Parts 2 and 3 of your P45. (Note: Universal Credit is generally not taxable, so you might still claim directly from HMRC if that’s your only benefit.)
HMRC P800 Tax Calculation (The Automatic Review):
- After the end of the tax year (which is 5th April, so typically summer 2025 for the current tax year), HMRC reviews PAYE records. If they identify an overpayment, they’ll send you a P800 tax calculation, explaining how to claim your tax refund. Important: Since May 2024, HMRC often requires you to actively claim your P800 refund online, rather than sending it automatically. Don’t miss this!
Self Assessment Tax Return (For Complex Cases):
- If your tax affairs are more complex (e.g., you’re self-employed, have significant other income, or need to declare certain payments that fall outside standard PAYE), you might be required or choose to file a Self Assessment tax return. Any overpaid tax would then be reclaimed through this comprehensive process.

Important Deadlines: Don’t Delay! You can generally claim a tax refund for up to four tax years after the end of the tax year in which you overpaid. For example, for the tax year ending 5th April 2021, the deadline to claim would have been 5th April 2025. Don’t leave money on the table!

Beyond the Refund: What Else Should You Consider After Redundancy?

While getting your tax refund is important, redundancy can open up other financial considerations:

Pension Contributions — If you received a significant redundancy payment, consider whether a portion could be paid into your pension. This can offer significant tax relief and boost your retirement savings.
New Employment & Tax Codes — Ensure your new employer uses the correct tax code from your P45. If you don’t have one, they might put you on an emergency code initially, which could again lead to overpayments.
Becoming Self-Employed? Redundancy often sparks a move into self-employment. If this is your plan, you’ll need to register with HMRC as a sole trader and understand your new tax obligations (e.g., Self Assessment, Class 2 & 4 NICs). Taxfile specialises in supporting self-employed individuals!
Income Protection/Benefits — Review any income protection insurance you have, or explore eligibility for state benefits to bridge the gap.
Financial Planning — This is an opportune moment to review your overall financial health, budget, and future goals.

Let Taxfile Take the Burden Off Your Shoulders

Navigating tax refunds after redundancy can be complex, especially during an already stressful period. At Taxfile, we have extensive experience helping individuals just like you claim back the tax they are owed quickly and efficiently.

Why choose Taxfile?

Expert Guidance — We understand the nuances of redundancy payments and tax codes.
Stress-Free Process — We can handle the paperwork and communications with HMRC on your behalf.
Maximise Your Refund — We ensure you claim everything you’re entitled to, avoiding common pitfalls.
Personalised Advice — Beyond the refund, we can offer guidance on your next financial steps, whether it’s understanding tax on a new job or navigating self-employment.

Don’t let overpaid tax remain with HMRC. Contact Taxfile today for a no-obligation chat about your redundancy tax refund. Let us help you claim your cash back and take one less worry off your plate.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Stay Ahead of HMRC Compliance Checks for CIS Contractors

April 23, 2025/in 2024-25, CIS, Construction Industry Scheme, HMRC, HMRC enquiry, HMRC investigation, Refund, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Sole traders/by Taxfile

By Ali at Taxfile.

As the new tax year approaches, CIS contractors must prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 tax return season. Last year we witnessed a significant increase in HMRC compliance checks delaying refunds, with many contractors being asked to provide detailed CIS pay/deduction slips and bank account transactions to verify their income.

At Taxfile, we are here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure your tax affairs are in order while offering you peace of mind with our unique HMRC investigation cover.

Why Are HMRC Compliance Checks on the Rise?

HMRC has ramped up its efforts to ensure compliance among CIS contractors, particularly focusing on verifying income and deductions. Last year, many contractors were caught off-guard when asked to provide:

CIS pay/deduction slips to confirm tax deductions at source.
Bank account transactions to prove income received from contractors.

Failure to provide these documents can lead to penalties, delays, and even full-scale investigations. With HMRC’s increased scrutiny, it’s more important than ever to ensure your records are accurate, complete, and readily available.

At Taxfile, we specialise in supporting CIS contractors with their tax returns and compliance needs.

How we stand out:

1. Expert Preparation of CIS Tax Returns

Our team ensures your 24/25 tax return is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time. We review your CIS pay/deduction slips, income, and expenses to minimise the risk of errors that could trigger an HMRC compliance check.

2. HMRC Investigation Cover is Included

Unlike other accountancy services, our invoices include HMRC investigation cover as standard. If HMRC decides to investigate your tax return, we’ll handle all the additional work required to represent you—at no extra cost. This means you’re protected from unexpected fees and stress.

3. Proactive Record-Keeping Support

We guide you on how to maintain proper records, including CIS slips, bank statements, and expense receipts, so you’re always prepared for an HMRC request.

4. Dedicated CIS Specialists

Our team understands the unique challenges faced by CIS contractors. We’re here to answer your questions, provide tailored advice, and ensure you’re fully compliant with HMRC regulations.

With HMRC’s increased focus on compliance, now is the time to act to ensure you get your refund sooner. We urge you to come prepared with your CIS deduction slips and your bank feed covering the period from 06/04/2024 – 05/04/2025.

Don’t let HMRC compliance checks catch you off-guard and delay your refund:

Contact Taxfile Today

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Taxfile: accountancy and tax advice in Tulse Hill, South London.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm — The Benefits of Acting on Taxes Sooner

May 3, 2024/in 2023-24, Filing deadlines, HMRC, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Sole traders, Tax, Taxfile/by Taxfile

by Ali at Taxfile.

For many self-employed UK taxpayers, the January Self-Assessment deadline looms like a tax-shaped storm cloud. But what if you could banish that pre-deadline panic and transform tax season into a breeze?

Psychology tells us that we are motivated when one set of thought processes outweighs the opposing ones, tipping the balance to make us act. With that in mind, here are 7 key things that may motivate you to act on your taxes sooner rather than later.

1. Knowledge is Power

Filing early gives you a clear picture of your tax bill. This allows you to budget effectively and avoid any nasty surprises come January. Knowing if you owe tax or are due a refund empowers you to make informed financial decisions.

2. Less Stress = Happier

If you owe tax, filing early lets you explore HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan. This lets you spread the cost of your tax bill over monthly or weekly instalments, making it much easier to manage.

3. Faster Refunds = Even Happier

If you’ve overpaid tax, filing early means a quicker turnaround on your refund. That extra cash can be a welcome boost for your finances.

4. Time is Money

January is a notoriously busy time for HMRC and accountants. Filing early ensures you avoid spending hours over the phone to HMRC, or your accountant having to contact HMRC on your behalf and spending over 45 minutes on hold.

5. Spot Errors, Fix them with Ease

Sometimes mistakes happen. Filing early gives you time to review your return and identify any errors. This allows you or your accountant to rectify them before the deadline, avoiding potential penalties.

6. Proof of Income, When You Need It Most

A completed Self-Assessment tax return can be used as proof of income when applying for a mortgage, loan, or certain benefits. Filing early ensures you have this documentation known as an SA302 readily available.

7. More Time for Tax Efficiency (if Needed)

If your tax bill is higher than expected, filing early gives you more time to explore tax-saving opportunities with an accountant (if necessary). In our experience, it also allows us to keep an eye on your turnover and spot early if you might need to be VAT registered, or are steadily moving towards it. It could also allow us to advise whether you’d benefit from setting up a limited company.

File Early — and catch the worm!

By taking charge of your Self-Assessment early, you gain control of your finances and avoid unnecessary stress. So, ditch the last-minute panic and embrace the benefits of early filing.

Contact Taxfile & Take Control

At Taxfile we would like to instil healthy habits in our clients and encourage you to come and see us in the early months after April. By doing so, we can file your tax return early and remove all the stress and worry.

Get ready by making an appointment to see our tax agents today. Call, message, or use our online booking system:

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Taxfile are tax advisors & accountants in Tulse Hill, and Dulwich, South London.

CIS Tax Rebates

March 15, 2019/in 2019/by Taxfile

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is where a construction contractor deducts, at source, a portion of the money due to their subcontractor. Whatever amount is deducted is then passed directly to HMRC which is then counted towards the tax and National Insurance of a subcontractor. This effectively pays the tax element in advance.

How much is deducted will depend on whether or not a subcontractor is registered under the CIS system. Unregistered subcontractors usually get a 30% deduction, while the registered ones get a deduction at the standard rate of 20%. This is one of the reasons that, by the end of the financial year, the amount deducted at source often ends up being overpaid.

But a bigger reason is the fact that the deductions did not factor in the personal allowance that every taxpayer in the UK is entitled to. The personal allowance for the tax year 2018-2019 was £11,850. Because of this overpayment, many subcontractors in the construction industry are due a tax refund.

You can also claim extensively for any work related expenses such as; accountant fees, travel, telephone, tools, clothing, etc.

It is a complex process and to ensure you get the maximum tax rebate let Taxfile help you.

View our CIS Tax Refund Newsletter HERE

May Newsletter – New Battersea Branch, Easy CIS Tax Refunds, Avoid £10 Daily Fines & More

May 11, 2018/in Accountancy, Accountants, Accounts, Battersea branch, Bookkeeping, CIS, Construction Industry Scheme, Contractor, Income tax, Late return, Limited companies, Limited company, London, London SW8, National Insurance, New CIS, NI, Payroll, Rebate, Refund, Self-assessment, Subcontractor, Tax, Tax advice, Tax advisers, Tax bill, tax experts, Tax overpayment, tax rebates, Tax refunds, Tax returns, Taxfile, Tulse Hill, VAT/by Mark

Our informative May e-Newsletter is now ready to view online. It includes exciting news of our new branch opening in Battersea along with important tax and accountancy-related news that might affect you. Here is a quick summary of the newsletter’s contents:

The first article announces the opening of our new Battersea Branch in London SW8. New and existing customers are welcome to pop in and say hello and to get expert help with your tax affairs and accountancy requirements. Learn more about the opening of the Battersea branch, and the core services on offer, here or click the big button below to read the newsletter.
If you work on one of the many Battersea construction sites in or around SW8, we can help you reclaim overpaid tax and much more … see the newsletter for more details – click the big button below.
If you’re a sub-contractor working in the construction industry scheme (‘CIS’), you’re almost certainly due a tax refund (learn why here). Taxfile are experts at getting tax rebates from HMRC, so come and see us and we’ll get you the maximum refund possible. Read the newsletter (click the big button below) to learn how we make your tax refund application fast and hassle-free.
We can help limited company contractors too! We’re tax and accountancy experts so we can help you register as a limited company or register for CIS if you’re not already set up, we’ll help you with the monthly tasks demanded of you by HMRC including accounts preparation, confirmation statements, corporation tax handling, CIS set-off rebate, National Insurance (NI), VAT, bookkeeping, payroll and much more. We’ll save you time and will make operating the Construction Industry Scheme a breeze. Click the pink newsletter button below for more details.
If you introduce a family member, friend or colleague to Taxfile, you will get a discount off your next tax return if they sign up as a new paying customer with us. Click the button for details.
Taxfile recently printed some brightly coloured postcards to promote our new Battersea office and our tax-related services. Simply get in contact if you’d like some of these postcards to hand out to colleagues. If you write your full name on the back and use it to refer a colleague, it might even save you money! Click the button for more details.
Our team are multi-lingual and always happy to help. If English is not your first language, let us know and we’ll try to match you to the most appropriate staff member.
If you, your friends, family or colleagues have not dealt with your old tax returns, HMRC will be adding £10 per day to the penalty from 1st May. That’s on top of the £100 fine that will have applied immediately after missing the original 31 January deadline. Let Taxfile get your tax records, tax returns and overdue tax all in order so you don’t have to pay any more in fines than you have already. Learn more here or contact your nearest branch for a consultation.
All Taxfile clients get free ‘Tax Enquiry Fee Protection Insurance‘ when they file their tax return through Taxfile by the statutory deadline. So – if you’re investigated by HMRC – our fees to sort it out are covered. Click the button for more details.

Read the Newsletter

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New Battersea Branch – Now Open in London SW8!

May 11, 2018/in Accountancy, Accountants, Battersea branch, CIS, Construction Industry Scheme, Contractor, Limited companies, Limited company, London, London SW8, Multilingual staff, New CIS, Rebate, Refund, Subcontractor, Tax, Tax advice, Tax advisers, Tax agents, tax rebates, Tax refunds, Tax returns, Taxfile/by Mark

Our new branch is now open in Battersea, London SW8. You’ll find it very convenient if you work nearby — we’re at Cloisters Business Centre, near Battersea Park Station, just off Battersea Park Road (A3205). You can park easily too – just pull into the business centre and you’ll find us opposite the church, on the ground floor with the brown door (unit 4). Come and see us there too if you’re an existing client and find Battersea more convenient than our Tulse Hill and Dulwich Village offices.

During April & May, the Battersea branch is open from 11am right through to 7pm from Monday to Thursday — so you don’t need to take a day off work to come and see us. On Fridays we’re open 11am to 3pm by appointment and Faiz will be a familiar face to many that day.

The new Battersea branch will especially suit construction workers in the building industry, which is very active in this location. Contractors who have set up as limited companies will find our CIS work, payroll and bookkeeping services very useful, affordable and convenient. Meanwhile, sub-contractors will like the fact that we’re experts at getting workers tax refunds and rebates, particularly if they’ve been working within the Construction Industry Scheme (‘CIS’). We claim thousands back from HMRC on their behalf every year.

Call 020 7821 9444 for a free 20 minute consultation at the Battersea branch, or 020 8761 8000 for Tulse Hill, Dulwich and all other branches.

Taxfile’s Battersea branch is at Studio 4, Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG. Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm (& Fridays 11am-3pm by appointment). Visit our new, stand-alone Battersea branch website for more details.

Posts

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

Here’s what will be needed:

Income-related information if applicable:

Potential tax relief information:

Personal Information:

Do You Need Help With Your Tax Return?

Why You Might Be Due a Tax Refund After Redundancy

The PAYE Puzzle

Understanding Tax on Redundancy Payments

Unpacking Your Package

How to Claim Your Tax Refund

Your Options (And How Taxfile Can Help)

Beyond the Refund: What Else Should You Consider After Redundancy?

Let Taxfile Take the Burden Off Your Shoulders

Why Are HMRC Compliance Checks on the Rise?

At Taxfile, we specialise in supporting CIS contractors with their tax returns and compliance needs.

1. Expert Preparation of CIS Tax Returns

2. HMRC Investigation Cover is Included

3. Proactive Record-Keeping Support

4. Dedicated CIS Specialists

Don’t let HMRC compliance checks catch you off-guard and delay your refund:

Contact Taxfile Today

Taxfile: accountancy and tax advice in Tulse Hill, South London.

1. Knowledge is Power

2. Less Stress = Happier

3. Faster Refunds = Even Happier

4. Time is Money

5. Spot Errors, Fix them with Ease

6. Proof of Income, When You Need It Most

7. More Time for Tax Efficiency (if Needed)

Contact Taxfile & Take Control

Taxfile are tax advisors & accountants in Tulse Hill, and Dulwich, South London.

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