If you’re looking for a Guide to Filing a Tax Return, you’re in the right place. The Self-Assessment deadline approaches quickly every year, and whether this is your first return or one of many, getting everything right can feel overwhelming. At Infinity Accounting, we help take the stress away so you can understand what’s required, avoid penalties and feel confident your tax return has been completed correctly.
Do you need to file a Tax Return?
A key part of any Guide to Filing a Tax Return is understanding whether you’re required to submit one. You must file a tax return for the tax year (6 April to 5 April) with HM Revenue & Customs if, for example:
- You were self-employed and earned more than £1,000.
- You were in a business partnership.
- You needed to pay the High-Income Child Benefit Charge and do not pay it through PAYE.
You may also need to file if you received untaxed income, such as:
- Rental income
- Commission or tips
- Savings interest, dividends or investment income
- Foreign income
You can read the full HMRC rules on their website
Registering for Self-Assessment
If it’s your first time filing, you’ll need to register for Self-Assessment. HMRC will then issue your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference), which you’ll need every time you file. Register here
If you’re an Infinity Accounting client, we can guide you through this and help ensure your details match HMRC records to avoid delays.
Common mistakes people make
To make this Guide to Filing a Tax Return genuinely helpful, here are common errors we see:
- Missing income HMRC already holds on file
- Forgetting allowable expenses
- Claiming personal rather than business costs
- Omitting dividends or savings interest
- Using estimates rather than accurate figures
- Forgetting gift aid contributions
- Not declaring PAYE benefits (P11D items)
- Filing late and triggering penalties
Working with an accountant prevents all of this and protects you from HMRC enquiries.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
HMRC penalties apply even if you owe no tax:
- £100 fine for filing up to 3 months late
- Additional penalties after 3, 6 and 12 months
Daily penalties may also apply
Avoiding these penalties is one of the biggest benefits of being organised early. Here is a Tax Aid summary on late returns
How Infinity Accounting makes your tax return simple
Infinity clients get early reminders, clear communication and personal support so nothing gets missed. Working with us means:
- Accurate, stress-free tax return preparation
- Guidance on income, expenses, reliefs and allowances
- Early submission, giving you months to budget for tax
- Friendly, jargon-free advice
- Smart systems that keep you organised
This Guide to Filing a Tax Return gives you everything you need to prepare, file and avoid unnecessary stress. Knowing what to gather, what to declare and when to submit makes the whole process much smoother.
If you’d like expert support or simply don’t have the time this year, Infinity Accounting is here to help you file with confidence.
