This series of short videos will walk you through the full process from installation to completing and filing your Self Assessment tax return.
- Resources
- Getting started with Self Assessment
Getting started with Self Assessment
How to download TaxCalc to a new computer
How to update TaxCalc
How to file your Self-Assessment tax return
How to import a previous tax return
How to import multiple tax returns
How to create a PDF copy of your return
How amend a preciously filed tax return
How to locate a missing tax return
FAQs
We’re an award‑winning, HMRC‑recognised software provider. Tens of thousands of people like you trust us to file their returns online every year.
TaxCalc is known for being the simplest way to file your return. Our unique SimpleStep® process asks questions and then takes you to the relevant section of your return. You don’t need any previous experience — just some paperwork, a cup of tea and about half an hour.
We pride ourselves on our UK‑based free telephone and email support. Coming up to deadline day (31 January), we offer extended support hours for our customers.
Before you can complete a Self Assessment tax return, you’ll need to be registered with HMRC to inform them that a tax return is required. You can register with HMRC using one of the following methods:
- Register online – follow the links at www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment to complete online registration
- Register by phone – contact 0300 200 3310
- Register by post – download and complete form SA1 and post it to your local tax office
To complete your registration by any of these methods, you’ll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your personal details
- Details of any business or change of circumstances that mean you need to complete a return
Following your application, you should receive a Unique Tax Reference (UTR). This is a ten‑digit number. You’ll need to use this number in all future correspondence with HMRC regarding your tax affairs.
Please note: It may take up to a week to receive your details from HMRC. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
To file online, you’ll also need to register with HMRC Online Services. To do this, you’ll need your Unique Tax Reference number and your National Insurance number or postcode.
Once you have this information, you can go to HMRC’s registration page and follow the relevant instructions to complete your registration for online services.
When you’ve completed the registration, HMRC will send you an activation code with instructions for activating your account. Once activated, you’ll receive your HMRC user ID and password.
You’re now fully registered and can complete and submit your tax return online
The deadline to file your Self Assessment tax return online to HMRC for the tax year is 31 January. Try not to leave it to the last minute.
If you owe up to £3,000 of tax to HMRC and are a PAYE employee, it’s important to file on or before 30 December to avoid having to pay any tax you owe in one lump sum.
Your tax code will be adjusted and any money you owe will be deducted from your salary each month over the following 12 months.
Our SimpleStep® process will guide you through your tax return and ask for relevant information based on your answers.
If you want to make the process as efficient and simple as possible, it’s always best to be prepared and have everything to hand before you start completing your tax return. If you’re unsure, don’t panic — you can always save your progress, find the required paperwork and return to enter any outstanding information.
Here are the most common things you may be asked for:
Employment income
- P60 or P45 showing your taxable income and tax deducted for the year
- P11D showing benefits and expenses (if you receive any)
- Details of any other business expenses not reimbursed by your company (professional subscriptions, mileage, etc.)
Partnership income
Details of income received from partnerships. You should receive a Partnership Statement that declares the income you should enter into your tax return.
Interest and dividends
- Statements of interest received and tax deducted from banks, building societies and other savings or investments
- Dividend vouchers received from shareholdings, showing the income received
Rental income
If you let a property (or multiple properties), or part of your own home (Rent a Room), you’ll need all information relating to income and relevant expenditure on these properties.
Foreign income
If you receive any income from overseas, you’ll need details of this — for example, foreign dividends and bank interest.
Pension contributions and Gift Aid donations
Details of all pension contributions and any Gift Aid donations made.
Income from private pensions
Pension providers should provide a P60 at the end of the year, showing taxable income and tax deducted.
State pension
HMRC will not provide a P60. You simply need to calculate what your annual entitlement was for the year.
Capital gains
If you have disposed of any assets such as property or shares, you should have details of purchase prices and disposal proceeds.
How do I file a trust, partnership or limited company return?
TaxCalc offers a full solution:
- Trust returns – Trust: TaxCalc
- Partnership returns – Partnership: TaxCalc
- Limited company returns – Limited Company: TaxCalc
Specific scenarios
Some income types are treated in a specific way - we address some of these here.
Q. Despite being non‑resident in the UK, HMRC has requested that I submit a UK tax return in relation to my UK property which is being rented out. They’ve said I can’t use their online service to file my return. Will TaxCalc be able to do this?
A. Yes. TaxCalc provides the SA109 Residence, remittance basis etc. supplementary pages required for non‑resident taxpayers. All supplementary pages are completed using our SimpleStep Q&A method.
Q. I hold a post as a Minister of Religion and need to complete a tax return. HMRC has said I’ll need to purchase third‑party software as their service doesn’t provide the relevant sections. Does TaxCalc support this?
A. Yes. The SA102M Ministers of religion supplementary pages are included, so completing your tax return in TaxCalc won’t be a problem.
Q. I’m self‑employed and have purchased multiple assets this year, including a vehicle and machinery. I understand I need to claim capital allowances but I’m unsure what they are. Will TaxCalc help me?
A. Yes. TaxCalc provides a Capital Allowance wizard to help you make your claims. Simply enter the asset details, such as cost and purchase dates, and TaxCalc will calculate the allowances and complete the relevant boxes on your tax return.
Q. I’ve received discretionary income from a UK‑resident trust. Can I file my tax return using TaxCalc?
A. Yes. Unlike HMRC Online Services, TaxCalc provides the SA107 Trusts etc. supplementary pages required to declare this income.
Q. I’ve sold shares that qualify for Entrepreneurs’ Relief. Will TaxCalc perform the relevant calculations?
A. Yes. Using the SimpleStep method, you enter your asset details and TaxCalc calculates the gain or loss and helps you claim reliefs such as Entrepreneurs’ Relief. Where selected, TaxCalc generates the required computations and applies the correct tax rates.
Q. I have foreign bank interest that’s been taxed overseas. Will TaxCalc help me work out what I can claim under Double Taxation Treaties?
A. Yes. TaxCalc automatically performs Foreign Tax Credit Relief calculations and restricts claims to the correct amounts based on current Double Taxation Treaty agreements. You just enter the data — we do the calculations for you.
Q. I have multiple sources of income, including employment income, property lettings and partnership income. Will the standard product be suitable?
A. Yes. All TaxCalc products include all available supplementary pages, allowing you to submit multiple sources of income without additional fees.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter an issue when using TaxCalc check out our Knowledge Base
or these common questions below.
TaxCalc crashes during installation, or when updating with an error of 'Failed to create OpenGL'.
When attempting to file you may get a 1046 error if your username/password are not recognised.
What is a 1046 authentication error? - Knowledge Base - TaxCalc
If you need to make changes to a filed return follow these steps.
How do I resubmit a return or file an amended return? - Knowledge Base - TaxCalc
This could be due to a problem with the installation or configuration of the default PDF reader.
Why can't I print my document or create a PDF? - Knowledge Base - TaxCalc
How to find your old files when moving to a new computer.
Tags for resource:
- How to
- Self Assessment
- Tax return
- Basic guide
Take the next step
TaxCalc can support you with everything from Self Assessment tax returns to quarterly filings for MTD, suitable for individuals, businesses, trusts and partnerships.