Written for the 2025/26 tax year, the return due by 31 January 2027. Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026.
No. An accountant isn’t a legal requirement for a Self Assessment tax return, and you can file your own return online with HMRC. Many people use one to save time, avoid mistakes and make sure they claim the expenses and reliefs they’re entitled to. This guide sets out what doing it yourself involves, what an accountant does and what it costs with us. It comes from Wainwrights Accountants in Bromborough, Wirral. We work with clients across the UK.
Key facts for the 2025/26 return
| What | Date or figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Online tax return deadline | 11:59pm on 31 January 2027 | GOV.UK: Self Assessment deadlines |
| Initial penalty for a late return | £100 | GOV.UK: Self Assessment penalties |
| Who can act for you | An accountant or tax adviser you authorise as your agent | GOV.UK: appoint someone to deal with HMRC |
| Personal tax return with Wainwrights | From £20 a month + VAT (£24 including VAT) | Our pricing page |
Can you do your own Self Assessment tax return?
Yes. GOV.UK says you can file your Self Assessment tax return online if you are self-employed, or if you are not self-employed but still send a return, for example because you get income from renting out a property. You need sign in details and your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), and you can save your entry and go back to it later.
HMRC gives help along the way. GOV.UK says there is help text throughout the online tax return, and guidance on each section, including self-employment, employment, pensions, property and capital gains.
What does doing it yourself involve?
Four jobs, each with its own rules.
- Keeping records. GOV.UK says you need records, for example bank statements or receipts, to fill in your tax return correctly.
- Working out your figures. If you’re self-employed you use an accounting method. GOV.UK says cash basis is the default method from the 2024/25 tax year, and you must opt out to use traditional accounting.
- Sending the return on time. For 2025/26 the online deadline is 11:59pm on 31 January 2027.
- Paying the bill. Tax for 2025/26 is due by 11:59pm on 31 January 2027. If you make payments on account towards your next bill, each is half of the tax you owed last year, due by 31 January and 31 July.
None of this needs an accountant. It does need time and care: GOV.UK says you may have to pay interest and a penalty if you do not file and pay on time.
When might an accountant be worth it?
There is no rule, and it is your call. There is more to do when there is more to report or more to keep track of. For example:
- self-employment, where income and expenses have to be recorded for the year
- rental income, on your own or with a joint owner
- a sale that brings Capital Gains Tax
- payments on account, which mean two more payment dates to plan for, 31 January and 31 July
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, which brings digital records and quarterly updates from 6 April 2027 if your self-employment and property income, before expenses, was over £30,000 in 2025/26
If you have one simple source of income to report and you’re comfortable with HMRC’s online service, you may not need help. If several of these apply, or you would rather not spend January on it, that is what an accountant is for.
What does an accountant do that you would otherwise do yourself?
We prepare your Self Assessment tax return from your records and file it online with HMRC. Your accountant checks you’re claiming the expenses and reliefs you’re entitled to, tells you what to put aside for tax and reminds you before each deadline. Tax efficiency planning is part of the price.
Two things stay with you. You keep your records, and your accountant tells you what we need, and when. Depending on your circumstances, we ask for details of all your income, payslips, dividend vouchers and supporting documents for any capital gains. Send them in the way that suits you; we prefer email, as it is the most efficient. Once you’re a client, you can also upload files through our client app. You also authorise us with HMRC: GOV.UK says you must authorise your agent before they can deal with HMRC on your behalf.
How much does an accountant cost for a tax return?
A personal Self Assessment tax return with us is from £20 a month + VAT (£24 including VAT), and you can pay monthly or annually. If you run a business or let property, your return is part of that package’s price: from £60 a month + VAT for a sole trader, and from £20 a month + VAT (£24 including VAT) for a landlord who owns one property alone.
Prices are indicative: our team confirms the scope and final price. Business prices are subject to turnover not exceeding £150,000. See our prices, or our guide, What changes the price of an accountant, and what to check in a quote.
How do you get started with us?
It takes three steps. Fill in our quote form, take a quick call from us to confirm what you need, then leave your tax return with us. It works the same way whether you’re switching from another accountant or sending a tax return for the first time. There is more on the Self Assessment service page.
What do people ask about using an accountant for Self Assessment?
Is it a legal requirement to use an accountant for Self Assessment?
No, it isn’t a legal requirement. Many people use one to save time, avoid mistakes and make sure they claim the expenses and reliefs they’re entitled to.
Can an accountant submit my tax return for me?
Yes. GOV.UK says a paid agent can be a professional accountant or tax adviser, and that an agent you have authorised can deal with your tax affairs, for example submitting your Self Assessment tax return.
How much does an accountant charge for a Self Assessment tax return?
Every firm sets its own fees. Ours start from £20 a month + VAT (£24 including VAT) for a personal Self Assessment tax return, and the price is indicative until our team confirms the scope.
When is the 2025/26 tax return due?
An online tax return is due by 11:59pm on 31 January 2027, and so is any tax you owe. A paper tax return has to reach HMRC by 11:59pm on 31 October 2026.
Do I need to be near Bromborough to use Wainwrights?
No. We’re based in Bromborough and work with clients across the UK by phone, Zoom, WhatsApp and our client app.
Deadlines and prices change, and whether you need help depends on your own circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal advice. To talk yours through with an accountant in Bromborough, get a quote or book a free call.