What You Need to Submit Your Self Assessment Tax Return: A Complete Checklist
- Eduard husaru
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Filing your Self Assessment tax return doesn’t have to be stressful—if you’re prepared. Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, a company director, or juggling multiple income streams, knowing what information to gather is half the battle. Here’s your go-to guide for what you’ll need to file accurately and confidently.
Essential Information for Filing
Before diving into the different types of income, make sure you have the following essential details:
Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – This is a 10-digit number from HMRC.
National Insurance number – Important for your tax records.
Government Gateway access – This is necessary to manage your tax affairs online.
Authorise your agent – If you have someone helping you.
Bank details – These are optional but recommended for refunds.
Dates of income received – Especially crucial if you are using cash basis accounting.
Employment Income
If you’ve worked for an employer, gather the following documents:
P60 – This shows your total income and tax paid for the year.
P45 – Necessary if you left a job during the tax year.
P11D – This is for benefits like a company car or medical insurance.
Any taxable redundancy or lump sums – Ensure you include these amounts.
Self-Employment Income
For sole traders or freelancers, you will need:
Total income earned – This includes income from invoices, platforms, or cash payments.
Business expenses – Keep receipts, mileage logs, and subscriptions handy.
Trading allowance – If you are claiming the £1,000 tax-free threshold.
Capital Allowances – Include invoices for car purchases and bank statements.
Accounting method – Specify whether you are using cash basis or accruals.
Rental Income
If you are a landlord, make sure to have:
Rental income statements – Document all income received.
Mortgage interest paid – This can be deducted from your taxable income.
Letting agent fees – If applicable, include these costs.
Maintenance and repair costs – Keep records of any expenses incurred.
Insurance and council tax – Include these in your calculations.
Rent-a-Room scheme details – If you are using this scheme, document the necessary information.
Investment Income
If you’ve earned money from savings or shares, gather:
Dividend vouchers – These show the income from your investments.
Interest statements from banks or savings accounts – Important for reporting.
Investment platform summaries – Useful for tracking your investment performance.
Capital gains details – Include dates, amounts, and costs of assets sold.
Foreign Income
If you’ve earned income abroad, ensure you have:
Foreign bank statements – Document all foreign income.
Rental or employment income from overseas – Include this in your reporting.
Foreign tax paid – This may be relevant for tax relief.
Exchange rate used – Important for converting foreign income.
Pension & Benefits
If you’ve received pensions or state benefits, gather:
State Pension statement – Document your state pension income.
Private pension P60s – Include all private pension income.
Annuity statements – If applicable, document these.
Taxable benefits – Such as Carer’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Student Loans & Child Benefit
If applicable, you’ll need:
Student loan plan type and repayments – Document your repayment details.
Child Benefit received – If your income is over £50,000, include this.
Reliefs & Deductions
To reduce your tax bill, consider:
Gift Aid donations – These can be claimed back.
Pension contributions – Include any contributions made.
Professional subscriptions – Keep records of any relevant subscriptions.
Work-from-home – If self-employed, document these expenses.
Final Thoughts
Self Assessment isn’t just about declaring income—it’s about painting a full picture of your financial year. At Accounted 4 Tax Ltd, we help sole traders and small business owners gather the right information, claim what they’re entitled to, and file with confidence.
Need help preparing your records or unsure what applies to you? Let’s chat.
By following this guide, you can navigate the complexities of filing your Self Assessment tax return with ease. Remember, being well-prepared is key to reducing stress and ensuring compliance.
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