Start your return for free — you only pay when you're ready to submit. SubmitFox submits directly to HMRC.
Start filing →Accountants charge between £150 and £500 to file a Self Assessment tax return. For most people with straightforward income, that cost is completely unnecessary. You can file yourself — and it is much simpler than it sounds.
Who Can File Without an Accountant?
The majority of Self Assessment filers have straightforward situations that require no specialist knowledge:
- Self-employed freelancers or sole traders
- Online sellers (Etsy, eBay, Vinted)
- Landlords with rental income
- Employees with side income
- Company directors receiving salary and dividends
- Gig economy workers (Uber, Deliveroo)
If your income sources are relatively clear and you have kept basic records, you can file yourself.
When You Might Actually Need an Accountant
There are situations where professional advice does add value:
- Complex business structures or partnerships
- Significant capital gains (property sales, large share portfolios)
- Overseas income or non-domicile status
- HMRC investigation or enquiry
- Multiple companies or complex director arrangements
For everything else, a good filing tool and basic records are all you need.
What You Need to File Yourself
| What you need | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| UTR number | Your HMRC letters or online account |
| National Insurance number | Payslip, P60, or HMRC correspondence |
| P60 / P45 | From your employer (if employed) |
| Self-employment income | Your invoices, bank statements, or platform reports |
| Expense records | Receipts, invoices, bank statements |
| Rental income details | Rent received, mortgage interest, allowable costs |
How SubmitFox Makes It Simple
Answer plain-English questions
No tax jargon. SubmitFox asks what you earned and spent in plain language, then handles the calculation automatically.
See your tax bill in real time
As you enter information, SubmitFox shows your tax liability live. No surprises at the end.
Submit directly to HMRC
One click sends your return to HMRC. You get instant confirmation and a submission reference. No printing, no posting.
File your Self Assessment yourself — no accountant needed
Start your return for free — you only pay when you're ready to submit.
SubmitFox guides you step by step and submits directly to HMRC. Most people finish in under 20 minutes.
Common Questions
Absolutely. Filing your own Self Assessment is completely legal and is what HMRC's online filing system is designed for. You are personally responsible for the accuracy of your return whether you file yourself or use an accountant.
Most people with straightforward income complete their Self Assessment in 15 to 30 minutes using a guided tool like SubmitFox. The time is mostly spent gathering your income figures — the actual filing process is quick.
You can amend a submitted Self Assessment up to 12 months after the 31 January deadline. If HMRC spots something, they will contact you — honest mistakes are dealt with very differently from deliberate evasion.
Most accountants charge between £150 and £500 for a straightforward Self Assessment return. More complex returns with rental income, investments, or multiple income sources can cost £500 to £1,000+. SubmitFox costs a fraction of that.
For most first-time filers, yes. The main challenge is gathering your income information — once you have that, the actual filing process is guided and logical. SubmitFox is specifically designed for people who have never filed before.