Crooks Books

Self assessment help in Manchester

We prepare and file your tax return, explain what you owe in plain English and look for every allowance you're entitled to. It's all done for a fixed fee you agree before we start.

Book a free chat Call 0800 304050

Who needs to file a self assessment tax return?

If your income isn't fully taxed through PAYE, HMRC usually expects a self assessment tax return from you each year.

That covers a lot of people. Sole traders and partners in a business file one. So do many company directors, especially those who take dividends. Landlords with rental income need one, as do people with sizeable savings or investment income, foreign income or capital gains to report.

The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. For online returns the deadline is 31 January after the tax year ends, and that's also when any tax due is normally paid. Some people also make payments on account towards the following year, which can catch you out if you aren't expecting them.

The problem we take off your hands

Self assessment isn't hard because the form is long. It's hard because you have to know what counts as income, which costs you can claim and how HMRC's rules apply to your own situation. Get it wrong and you could pay too much tax, or end up with penalties and interest.

We've spent 20 years working with HMRC's rules, and we use that experience to make sure you pay what you owe and not a penny more. We check your allowable expenses, the way you pay yourself and the reliefs open to you, then explain the result without jargon.

Running a limited company?

Directors often need a personal tax return as well as company accounts. We can look after both, so your salary, dividends and company figures all fit together.

How our self assessment service works

  1. A free first chat

    We talk through your income, your business and anything you're unsure about. Then we agree a fixed fee, so you know the cost up front.

  2. You send your records

    We'll tell you exactly what we need, such as income figures, receipts and bank statements. Any questions come to you in plain English.

  3. We prepare and file

    We work out your tax, check for savings and go through the return with you. Once you're happy, we file it with HMRC and tell you what to pay and when.

What you get from us

A tax return done properly, by people who'll explain it to you.

  • A fixed fee

    You agree the price before we start. If you also use our other services, it can sit within a monthly package.

  • Plain English throughout

    We tell you what you owe, why, and when it's due, without the jargon.

  • An eye on savings

    We look for legitimate ways to reduce your bill, from expenses to how you take money out of your business.

  • Fully qualified accountants

    A local, independent team with 20 years of experience behind every return.

Services that often go with self assessment

Good records make for an easier tax return, and many of our clients bring their other paperwork to us too.

Bookkeeping

Your books kept tidy every month.

About bookkeeping

Limited company accounts

Year end accounts and corporation tax.

About limited company accounts

VAT returns

Making Tax Digital compliant VAT returns.

About vat returns

See all our services or contact us with a question.

Self assessment questions

Do I need to file a self assessment tax return?

You usually do if you're self-employed, a partner in a business, a landlord, or have income that isn't taxed through PAYE, such as dividends, larger savings interest, foreign income or capital gains. If you're not sure, ask us on a free first chat and we'll tell you.

When is the self assessment deadline?

Online returns are due by 31 January after the tax year ends on 5 April, and any tax owed is normally paid by the same date. Paper returns have an earlier deadline of 31 October. Leaving it late risks penalties, so it's worth getting your records to us early.

What are payments on account?

If your tax bill is above a certain level, HMRC may ask you to pay towards next year's bill in advance, in two instalments due in January and July. It can come as a shock in your first year. We'll explain whether they apply to you and what to set aside.

How much do you charge for a self assessment return?

We charge a fixed fee, agreed with you before we start, so there are no surprise bills. If you use other services with us, it can be part of a monthly package. Get in touch and we'll talk through your situation.

What will you need from me?

Usually details of your income, records of business expenses, bank statements and any letters from HMRC. Every situation is a little different, so we'll give you a clear list of what to send.

I'm a company director. Do I still need a personal tax return?

Often, yes, particularly if you take dividends from your company. We look after limited company accounts too, so we can handle both and make sure everything matches up.

Hand your tax return to us

Book a free first chat with our Manchester team. We'll explain what's involved and agree a fixed fee before we start.

Book a free chat Call 0800 304050
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