Self-assessment

Discover more about Self-assessment below.

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Self-assessment

Self-assessment returns must be filed within HMRC’s deadlines, with your tax liability calculated correctly. Many taxpayers find the forms complex and the rules opaque — and errors or late filing lead directly to penalties and interest.

SCEPTRE completes tax returns for individuals, sole traders, partners and company directors. We make sure your return is filed on time, advise you of your tax liability well before payment is due, and deal with all HMRC correspondence on your behalf.

Making Tax Digital has arrived — are you affected?

From April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. The annual tax return is being replaced by quarterly digital updates submitted through HMRC-approved software, plus a final declaration after year end.

The threshold drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028 — so if MTD does not affect you yet, it very likely will soon.

This is the biggest change to self-assessment in a generation. If you are still keeping records on paper or in spreadsheets, now is the time to act. SCEPTRE can move you onto MTD-compatible software (Xero, Sage or Zoho Books), handle your quarterly submissions, and make the transition painless.

Key deadlines

  • 31 January — online returns and payment of tax owed (plus first payment on account)
  • 31 July — second payment on account
  • 31 October — paper returns
  • Quarterly — MTD updates, if you are within the new regime

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to file a return? Broadly: if you are self-employed, a company director with untaxed income, a landlord, a higher earner with investment income, or you have been sent a notice to file — yes. If you are unsure, ask us; it is a two-minute conversation.

What is “qualifying income” for MTD? Your combined gross income from self-employment and property, before expenses. It is turnover, not profit — which catches more people than expected.

Can you handle the quarterly MTD submissions for me? Yes — combined with our bookkeeping service, your records stay digital and current, and we file each quarterly update for you.

Worried about MTD or the January deadline? Contact SCEPTRE for a free consultation, or call 07886 901535.