Managing your taxes in the UK can feel daunting, especially if you are self-employed, a contractor, a landlord, or someone with multiple income sources. Unlike employees who have tax automatically deducted through PAYE (Pay As You Earn), individuals with other income streams must declare their earnings and calculate the tax owed through self-assessment tax returns.

For many people, this process raises questions: Do I really need professional help? What exactly do self-assessment tax return services involve? And more importantly, are they worth the cost?

This guide breaks down what self-assessment tax return services are, how they work, and whether they’re the right choice for you in 2025.

What Is a Self-Assessment Tax Return?

A self-assessment tax return is the process used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to collect Income Tax from individuals who don’t have tax automatically deducted.

You’ll need to file a self-assessment return if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Self-employed as a sole trader and earning more than £1,000 per year.
• A partner in a business partnership.
• A company director receiving untaxed income.
• A landlord earning rental income.
• An investor with dividends or capital gains above HMRC’s allowance.
• Someone with additional untaxed income (for example, from freelance or consulting work).

The return declares your income, expenses, and any allowances, and calculates the tax you owe.

Deadlines You Should Know

• 31st October – Paper tax return deadline.
• 31st January – Online tax return deadline for the previous tax year.
• 31st January – Deadline to pay any tax owed.
• 31st July – Deadline for the second "payment on account," if applicable.

Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties and interest charges, which is one reason many people turn to professional services for support.

What Are Self-Assessment Tax Return Services?

Self-assessment tax return services are professional services offered by accountants, tax specialists, or payroll firms to handle the preparation, submission, and compliance of your tax return.

These services generally include:

1. Registration with HMRC – Ensuring you’re properly set up for self-assessment.
2. Record keeping – Organising and reviewing financial records, including receipts, invoices, and bank statements.
3. Tax calculation – Accurately working out what you owe, taking into account allowances and reliefs.
4. Filing – Submitting your return on time, either online or on paper.
5. Advice – Offering guidance on expenses you can claim, tax-efficient planning, and ways to avoid penalties.

Essentially, these services remove the burden of navigating the HMRC system on your own.

Do You Need Self-Assessment Tax Return Services?

Whether you need professional help depends on your situation. Let’s look at some common scenarios:

1. If You’re a Sole Trader or Freelancer

Freelancers and self-employed workers often have multiple clients, irregular income, and varied expenses. Keeping track of everything can be challenging. A tax return service ensures you don’t miss allowable expenses like travel, office equipment, or professional subscriptions.

2. If You’re a Landlord

Property income is subject to tax rules that can be tricky, especially with mortgage interest restrictions and rules on furnished holiday lets. Professional help ensures you stay compliant while claiming everything you’re entitled to.

3. If You Have Investments or Dividends

Investors may need to declare dividend income, capital gains, or foreign earnings. Tax services help you avoid errors and ensure your reporting aligns with HMRC requirements.

4. If You Have Multiple Income Streams

The more complex your financial life, the more sense it makes to seek professional help. A return service can simplify everything into a clear, accurate submission.

5. If You’re Short on Time or Confidence

Even if your finances are straightforward, some people prefer peace of mind. A tax return service means you can focus on running your business or career while leaving the admin to experts.

Benefits of Using Self-Assessment Tax Return Services

✅ Accuracy

Mistakes in tax returns can trigger penalties or HMRC investigations. Professional services reduce this risk by ensuring everything is correct.

✅ Time-Saving

Instead of spending hours gathering documents and working through HMRC’s system, you can focus on your business while experts handle the admin.

✅ Maximising Allowances

Tax professionals know the ins and outs of HMRC rules. They can help you claim legitimate expenses you might miss on your own, potentially reducing your tax bill.

✅ Avoiding Penalties

Filing late or incorrectly can lead to financial penalties. Services ensure deadlines are met.

✅ Peace of Mind

Knowing your tax return has been handled correctly reduces stress, especially if your finances are complicated.

How Much Do Self-Assessment Tax Return Services Cost?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of your finances:

• Simple returns (one income source) – From £150–£250.
• Moderate returns (e.g., sole traders, landlords) – £250–£500.
• Complex returns (multiple income streams, partnerships, or capital gains) – £500–£1,000+.

For many, the cost is outweighed by the savings in time, stress, and potential tax relief.

Risks of Doing It Yourself

While HMRC provides online tools, many individuals underestimate the complexity of tax law. Common risks include:

• Misreporting income.
• Forgetting allowable expenses.
• Missing deadlines.
• Incorrectly calculating payments on account.
• Triggering HMRC inquiries due to mistakes.

DIY may work for very simple cases, but for most people, especially contractors and landlords, professional help is a wise investment.

The Infinity Group and Self-Assessment Services

For those seeking support in navigating the UK’s tax system, The Infinity Group offers tailored payroll and tax services, including assistance with self-assessment tax returns.

Specialising in areas like CIS payroll, umbrella services, and HMRC compliance, The Infinity Group provides guidance to contractors, freelancers, and small business owners who need peace of mind when filing their returns. Their focus on compliance and accuracy makes them a trusted partner for individuals who want to avoid errors and save time during the self-assessment process.

By working with a professional provider like The Infinity Group, you can ensure that your tax return is filed correctly, on time, and with all relevant allowances included.

Final Thoughts

So, do you need self-assessment tax return services?

If your finances are simple, you may feel confident handling it yourself using HMRC’s online system. But if you’re self-employed, a landlord, a contractor, or have multiple income streams, then professional services can save time, reduce stress, and potentially save money.

With tax rules constantly evolving and HMRC penalties for mistakes, investing in expert help is often the smarter choice. Providers like The Infinity Group can guide you through the process, making tax season far less daunting.