Getting your Self Assessment paperwork together can feel like a job in itself. However, a little preparation now can make completing your return much easier.
If you are a freelancer, sole trader or business owner in Cambridge, November is a good time to get organised before January arrives.
For the 2025/26 tax year, covering 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the usual online filing and payment deadline is 31 January 2027.
Start with your income records
Your accountant needs your income, including anything outside your main business.
Depending on your circumstances, below is a list of potential income sources:
- Sales invoices, business bank statements and bookkeeping records.
- Your P60 or P45, plus details of employment benefits.
- Rental income and associated expenses.
- Dividend vouchers and bank interest statements.
- Details of pension income and any overseas income.
If unsure, check with your accountant. They will point you in the right direction.
Gather your business expenses
If you work for yourself, provide receipts, invoices and records of business spending. These might include software subscriptions, insurance, materials, professional fees and business travel.
For costs with both business and personal use, such as your phone, explain how you use them. Your accountant can assess the appropriate treatment.
My accountancy support for sole traders includes helping you understand which expenses can be claimed.
Include pensions, donations and HMRC letters
Provide statements showing personal pension contributions, along with details of Gift Aid donations. Include the amounts, dates and relevant providers or charities.
Your accountant may also need your Unique Taxpayer Reference, National Insurance number, previous return and correspondence from HMRC.
If you have made tax payments already, include those details too. My guide to payments on account explains why your January payment can be higher than expected.
What if something is missing?
Missing receipts or untidy records are reasons to start the conversation now. Explain what you have and where the gaps are, so we can agree the next steps.
Sending information early gives us time to resolve questions and helps you plan for the amount due.
Need Self Assessment help in Cambridge?
Through my Self Assessment service, I help clients prepare accurate returns and understand their tax position.
If you need an accountant in Cambridge, get in touch and we can discuss your return and the paperwork needed.
