Which? Self-assessment made easy Catalogue

Which? is the UK's leading consumer champion, trusted by millions of people to provide independent, impartial advice across a wide range of financial and everyday topics. This archived guide, Self-assessment Made Easy, was produced to help individuals navigate the UK's self-assessment tax return process with confidence, whether they were completing a return for the first time or looking for a clearer explanation of the rules.

About Which?

Which? is a not-for-profit consumer organisation that has been campaigning for fairer treatment of consumers in the UK for decades. Unlike commercial publishers, Which? does not accept advertising, meaning its advice is free from commercial influence. As well as testing products and services, Which? produces guides on personal finance, legal rights, and consumer law. Its self-assessment guide was designed to demystify a process that many people find daunting, presenting HMRC requirements in plain, accessible language.

What the Self-Assessment Guide Covered

The guide addressed the key stages of completing a UK self-assessment tax return, from understanding who needs to file, to gathering the right paperwork and meeting the annual deadline. It explained different sources of income that must be declared, including employment, self-employment, rental income, and savings interest. Practical tips on staying organised throughout the tax year were a central theme, helping readers avoid the last-minute scramble that often leads to errors or penalties.

Who Needed This Guide

Self-assessment applies to a broad range of people in the UK: the self-employed, company directors, higher-rate taxpayers, landlords, and those with untaxed income from savings or investments. Which? aimed the guide at anyone who found the official HMRC documentation complex or intimidating, breaking down jargon and providing step-by-step reassurance that completing a return accurately is achievable with the right preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who publishes Which? guides?

Which? is an independent, not-for-profit consumer organisation based in the UK. It funds itself through subscriptions and product sales rather than advertising, which allows it to provide unbiased advice on finance, legal matters, and consumer products.

What is self-assessment and who has to do it?

Self-assessment is the system HMRC uses to collect income tax from people whose tax cannot be collected automatically through PAYE. It applies to the self-employed, company directors, landlords, and others with untaxed income above certain thresholds. Eligible individuals must register with HMRC, complete a tax return each year, and pay any tax owed by the relevant deadline.

What information do you typically need to complete a self-assessment return?

You generally need records of all income received during the tax year, including payslips or P60 forms from employment, invoices or accounts if self-employed, details of rental income and allowable expenses, and statements showing interest earned on savings. Keeping organised records throughout the year makes the process significantly simpler.

Is there a deadline for filing a self-assessment return?

Yes. For the UK tax year ending 5 April, paper returns must typically be submitted by 31 October and online returns by 31 January the following year. Filing late or paying tax late results in automatic penalties and interest charges from HMRC, so planning ahead is strongly recommended.

Can a first-time filer complete self-assessment without professional help?

Many people successfully complete their own self-assessment returns, particularly if their affairs are straightforward. Guides such as this one from Which? were designed specifically to support first-time filers by explaining each section of the return in plain English, highlighting common mistakes, and clarifying what expenses can legitimately be deducted.

Is the information in this archived guide still current?

Tax rules, thresholds, and deadlines change from year to year, so the specific figures and dates in this archived guide may no longer reflect current HMRC requirements. For up-to-date guidance, always consult the official HMRC website at gov.uk or seek advice from a qualified tax professional.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and was correct at the time of publication. Details such as prices, availability, and contact information may have changed. Please check directly with the provider for current information.