Do You Need an Accountant for a Self-Assessment Tax Return?
- Skyrock Accountants
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
If HMRC has asked you to complete a Self Assessment (SA100) tax return, it’s natural to ask: Do I really need an accountant, or can I do this myself?
At Skyrock Accountants, we work with individuals, sole traders, directors, and landlords across the UK. Some clients do manage their own returns — but many come to us after realising that Self Assessment is rarely as simple as it first appears.
Here’s our honest view.
When You Might Be Able to Do It Yourself
You may be able to complete your own tax return if:
You are employed only, with one P60
You have minimal bank interest
You have no other income (no self-employment, rental, dividends, or overseas income)
Your circumstances haven’t changed from previous years
HMRC’s online system can work for straightforward cases — as long as you’re confident with figures, rules, and deadlines.
👉 Learn more about what’s involved on our Self Assessment Services page.
When Using an Accountant Is the Smarter Choice
In our experience at Skyrock Accountants, most errors happen in the situations below.
1. You’re Self-Employed or a Company Director
Once business income is involved, Self Assessment becomes more complex. Common issues include:
Claiming allowable expenses correctly
Use of home, mileage, and equipment
Understanding what HMRC will (and won’t) accept
We regularly see clients who have overpaid tax simply because they didn’t claim everything they were entitled to.
2. You Have More Than One Income Source
If you have:
Rental income
Dividends
Multiple employments
Overseas income
The risk of mistakes increases. Missing income — even unintentionally — can trigger HMRC queries and penalties.
3. Your Expenses Are High Compared to Income
If your expenses make up a large proportion of your income, HMRC may ask for evidence.
At Skyrock, we:
Review expenses carefully
Ensure they are fully allowable
Help you keep the right records in case HMRC asks questions
👉 We also support clients with HMRC checks — see[HMRC & Compliance Support].
4. You Want Peace of Mind
Many of our clients could file their own return — but choose not to.
Using Skyrock Accountants means:
Your return is reviewed by a qualified accountant
Deadlines are managed properly
You avoid last-minute stress in January
You know the numbers are right
Is Using Skyrock Accountants Worth the Fee?
In many cases, yes.
A professionally prepared tax return can:
Reduce the risk of HMRC errors and penalties
Ensure you’re not paying more tax than necessary
Save you time and worry
We offer clear, fixed fees — no surprises.
Our Self Assessment Service at Skyrock Accountants
At Skyrock Accountants, we provide a friendly, fixed-fee Self Assessment service, tailored to your situation — whether you’re employed, self-employed, a director, or have multiple income streams.
We’ll tell you exactly what we need, prepare your return accurately, and file it on time.
👉 Get in touch today via our team to discuss your Self Assessment and see how we can help.
Final Word
You don’t always need an accountant for a Self Assessment tax return — but when your finances are more than straightforward, professional support can save you money, time, and unnecessary stress.
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