Posts

3 days left to file your Self Assessment tax return

3 Days to the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

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!

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.

* 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!

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!

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.

* 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!

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!

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.

* 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!

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!

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.

* 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!

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!

Read more

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!

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
Read more

Saturday Appointments Available - Book Now for Tax Returns & More.

Saturday Appointments Available — Book Now for Tax Returns & More

Saturday Appointments Available for a Limited Time - Book Now for Tax Returns Etc.

Taxfile is open on Saturdays until the end of January, by appointment, with this coming Saturday 24 January 2026 opening from 9 am to 5 pm. We’re also open on Sunday 25 January, from 10 am to 5 pm, by appointment. Weekend appointments might be useful if you need to see us for your 2024/25 tax return, or any other accountancy work, but can’t do it on a weekday. Weekend slots are limited, so please book in urgently if a weekend appointment suits you — before slots are all taken. Late appointments are also available on Mondays and Tuesdays, when we open until 6pm during January, or choose any other weekday if you can come earlier. Please see the footer of our website for latest opening times.

Book in on 0208 761 8000 or book your appointment online (here). We are happy to do virtual (video/phone) or physical appointments at our Tulse Hill office in Thurlow Park Road — whichever suits you best. Read more

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

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

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 moreIf 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.

 

Companies House ID Verification 2025: A Director's Guide to the New UK Rules

Companies House ID Verification 2025: A Director’s Guide to the New UK Rules

Companies House ID Verification 2025: A Director's Guide to the New UK Rules

A major change is coming for all UK company directors in 2025. Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification and we’ve created this essential guide to explain what the new director ID verification rules mean for you, ensuring you stay compliant and avoid significant penalties.

These new measures are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), a significant piece of legislation designed to improve the quality of data on the UK Companies Register and prevent corporate structures from being used for fraudulent activities.

This guide will walk you through the key changes, deadlines, and the exact steps you need to take.

What Are the New Director ID Verification Rules?

The core of the new legislation is the requirement for all new and existing company directors and other key individuals to verify their identity with Companies House. The goal is to ensure that every registered company has a real, verified person behind it, making it much harder to appoint fictitious directors or hide beneficial ownership.

This is a one-time verification process per individual, regardless of how many directorships you hold.

Who Needs to Complete the Companies House Identity Verification?

The new identity verification requirements apply to a wide range of individuals. You will need to verify your identity if you are:

  • An existing or newly appointed company director.
  • A Person with Significant Control (PSC).
  • A member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
  • Any individual who files information or documentation with Companies House.

Key Deadlines:

When Do I Need to Be Verified By?

The rollout of these new ID check rules is happening in phases. It’s crucial to be aware of these dates:

  • From April 8, 2025 (Voluntary Verification) — You can (and should) get ahead of the deadline by verifying your identity now.
  • From Autumn 2025 (Mandatory for New Appointments) — ID verification will be compulsory for all new company incorporations and for any newly appointed directors or PSCs.
  • Autumn 2025 – Autumn 2026 (Transitional Period for Existing Directors) — If you are an existing director, you will have a 12-month window to verify your identity. This period will be linked to your company’s confirmation statement filing date.
  • From Spring 2026 (Mandatory for Filers) — Anyone who files documents with Companies House, such as accountants or administrative staff, must have a verified identity.

Step-by-Step:

How to Complete Your ID Verification

There are two official methods for completing your director identity verification:

1. Directly with Companies House (digital route): This is a free digital process using the GOV.UK One Login system. You will need a form of photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence. The system will ask you to take a photo of your document and then a “selfie” to biometrically match your identity.

2. An in-person option at a Post Office will be available for those unable to use the digital service.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

What Happens If You Don’t Verify?

Companies House is taking these new rules very seriously. Failing to verify your identity within the deadline is not an option. The consequences of non-compliance are significant and include:

  • A Criminal Offence — It will be a criminal offence for the unverified individual.
  • Financial Penalties — You could face substantial fines.
  • Inability to Act — You will be unable to legally act as a director.
  • Filings Blocked — You will be barred from filing any documents for your company.
  • Director Disqualification — You could be disqualified from being a director.
  • Reputational Damage — The public register will flag your status as “unverified,” which could damage your company’s credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Companies House identity verification free?
A: Yes, verifying your identity directly with Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system is free.

Q: What documents do I need for the ID check?
A: You will typically need a form of photographic ID. A valid passport or a UK photocard driving licence are the most common documents used.

Q: What happens if I am a director of multiple companies?
A: You only need to verify your identity once. The verified status will then be linked to your name and apply across all your directorships.

Taxfile

This guide was brought to you by Taxfile, South London’s favourite accountants and tax advisors. We help individuals, sole traders, the self-employed, and limited companies with all aspects of accountancy and tax including accounts, bookkeeping, tax returns and much more.

For help with any accounting or tax matter, call Taxfile on 0208 761 8000 or choose an option below:

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us