Income Tax Self-assessment

6. Getting Help

6.1 Half of all taxpayers complete their returns without professional help.

If you are an employee, filling in your tax return is usually straightforward.

• Provided you have the correct information, it may take no longer than a weekend.

6.2 Make the most of free advice from HMRC.

• Use the Guidance Notes sent with your tax return.
• Consider using the HMRC Self Assessment Online service to file your return (www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/file-online.htm). If you choose to complete your self assessment online, the software will tailor the return to your circumstances so that you only answer questions relevant to you. It will also calculate how much tax you owe and will send you a confirmation once your return has been filed.You can see a demonstration of the Self Assessment Online service atwww.hmrc.gov.uk/demo.
• Ring the tax office listed at the top of the first page of your tax return for advice or call the helpline (08459 000444, open weekdays, evenings and weekends).
• Ask for free HMRC Help Sheets which explain different aspects of tax and give further information on how to complete your tax return.You can request these by ringing the HMRC Orderline (08459 000404).

6.3 If you are self-employed or have complicated financial arrangements, consider employing a qualified accountant or tax adviser, particularly if you have employees.

A good accountant or tax adviser will:

• Know of ways to save you tax.
• Be able to calculate your tax bill.This gives you more time in which to complete your tax return.

6.4 Choose your adviser carefully.

• An unqualified adviser may charge as little as £150 for filling in a basic tax return.You may be better off paying more to an expert who can save you more tax.
• Accountants should be members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (signified by the initials ACA or FCA) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA or FCCA) or the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
• Tax advisers are members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA, ATII or FTII) or the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).

6.5 Remember your responsibilities.

Even if you employ an adviser:

• You will have to do the day-to-day paperwork yourself.You will have to supply details of income, invoices, receipts and expenses.
• It is still your responsibility to ensure that your tax return is correct, is filed by the deadline and any tax owing is paid on time.