Four Reasons Not To Do Your Self-Assessment Tax Return On Your Own

Self-assessment tax returns can be a real headache, especially if you’re juggling a business, multiple income sources, or just a busy life. With the 31 January deadline creeping closer, it’s understandable to feel anxious about getting it all sorted in time. At a glance, handling it yourself might seem quicker or cheaper, but that choice can come with setbacks. 

There’s a lot that can go wrong, from basic mistakes to missing out on things you didn’t know to look for. Tax rules shift more often than most people realise, and managing the paperwork isn’t always as straightforward as it first seems. If you've been thinking about doing your own return this year, here are four reasons why that might not be the best plan. And if you're searching for reliable tax return services in Kent, it's worth taking a minute to read on. 

Mistakes Can Cost You

The smallest misstep can lead to bigger problems. Entering the wrong figure, missing a box, or filing just a day late can lead to more than just a headache. HMRC may charge a penalty or delay any refunds due to you. Fixing an error after submitting can take time and isn’t always simple. You might end up with more back-and-forth than you expected. 

We’ve seen how an honest mistake can cause a return to be flagged for review, even when the numbers are close. That extra scrutiny can mean delays, added pressure, and more stress than it’s worth. When mistakes lead to payment issues or extra interest, the consequences add up quickly. 

Mistakes do not just mean simple corrections; they can lead to endless queries from HMRC and requests for more documents that lengthen the entire process. In some cases, even after putting in extra effort to fix the issue, you may have to wait longer to see any refund or confirmation that your tax return has been accepted as correct. This can create additional worry during an already stressful time of year. 

Rules Change More Than You Think

The rules for self-assessment are not fixed. One year to the next, things can look different. Maybe a relief is dropped, or a new requirement appears with little fanfare. Unless you check for updates regularly, it’s easy to miss something important. 

What was allowed last year may no longer apply this year. If you’re not up to speed with those changes, it’s easy to follow outdated guidance without meaning to. That kind of error doesn’t just create confusion, it can leave money on the table or open the door to penalties. Keeping up takes time and effort that few can spare in January. 

Tax rules are often updated with little notice. Many people do not realise that reliefs or credits valid for the previous year can change without much warning. It is not always obvious where to check for these updates or interpret the implications, especially if you do not deal with self-assessment paperwork daily. Misreading or missing a change in the rules can be costly, 

impacting your tax bill or eligibility for deductions. 

There is also the new addition of (MTD) Making Tax Digital, which arrives in April, affecting the self-employed and landlords ( with UK and/or foreign property) with qualifying incomes over: 

• £50,000 from April 2026. 

• £30,000 from April 2027. 

• £20,000 from April 2028 but to be HMRC confirmed. 

• Partnerships and limited companies are currently exempt. 

It’s More Time-Consuming Than Expected

Self-assessment isn’t just filling in a form. It can take hours of sorting through receipts, digging out old statements, and working out what figures you need. If your income isn’t straightforward, it gets even more complex. Rentals, freelance work, dividends, or overseas income all come with their own rules. 

What starts as a simple task quickly becomes a weekend project. And if you forget one bit, say, an interest statement or dividend voucher, you may have to start again. If you’re already pushed for time, doing the return late at night or rushing it last minute isn’t ideal. It only adds stress to an already tight part of the year. 

Many people underestimate how involved even a basic tax return can be. Keeping each document and record organised throughout the year helps, but it is easy to lose track of something important. The time spent double-checking figures, sorting out allowable expenses, and reconciling payments is rarely minimal. If you run a small business or have multiple sources of income, that complexity only grows, taking valuable time away from other critical tasks. Even when you think you are prepared, small slips can set you back, turning the process from an evening job into a much larger project. 

You Could Be Missing Out on Reliefs or Deductions

There are many tax reliefs and expenses that people overlook. The rules around what you can claim vary depending on how you earn and what costs you’ve had. Without expert help, it’s easy to miss those details. That might mean you pay more than you need to, or worse, claim something in error and end up having to repay it. 

Some reliefs apply only in specific situations, and not everyone knows where to look for them. Having someone who works with tax rules every day means there’s a better chance of spotting what applies to you. They’ll know whether a certain expense is claimable or whether gift aid donations have been tracked correctly. 

This is where tax return services come in handy, especially during a busy start to the year. With help, you can feel more certain everything’s been claimed properly and nothing’s gone in the wrong box. 

Missing a relief or deduction does not always become clear until after your tax return is submitted and you receive a bill. By then, it can be more difficult to amend or correct your claim without delay and extra paperwork. An expert in tax matters asks the right questions to spot obscure reliefs that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our knowledge of current HMRC guidance makes it easier to check that you have not missed anything, so your return includes all legitimate allowances. 

A Smarter Way to Handle it

Sorting out a self-assessment tax return without help might sound doable, and maybe it is for some. But it often brings more stress than expected. One forgotten form or outdated rule can undo hours of careful work and lead to extra costs. 

By trusting someone who does this all the time, you take the pressure off. You can spend your evenings doing something other than chasing up receipts or worrying if a deadline has slipped by. For nearly 20 years, we have supported individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses throughout Tonbridge, Kent, with dependable tax return and accountancy services. 

Our chartered accountancy firm provides solutions, including company accounts, VAT returns, payroll, and business advice, to help keep you compliant and prepared. Since we specialise in working with SMEs and high-net-worth clients, we stay up to date with local tax requirements and industry changes, so your returns are handled with expertise. 

Peace of mind often comes from letting experts look after the details, freeing up your time and removing the uncertainty. If you are used to spending late evenings reviewing numbers and reaching out to HMRC for support, working with a dedicated professional allows you to redirect that energy to the things that matter most in your business.

Why Trust a Local Tax Expert?

Relying on a qualified, local tax advisor removes the pressure and guesswork from self-assessment season. We combine a personal approach with thorough knowledge of HMRC regulations for the Kent area, making sure everything is completed on time and in line with the latest guidance. This means fewer surprises, reduced risk of penalties, and more time for what matters most to you. 

Sorting through receipts and double-checking forms is never much fun, especially when you’re busy. We have helped individuals and businesses across Tonbridge, Kent, who want to avoid the stress and make sure their returns are sorted properly the first time. Our tax return services take care of the details so you don’t have to second-guess what’s been missed. At ABMV, we make it easier to file with confidence and get on with your year. If you’d like to get started, just give us a call.