Whether you’re filing a tax return for the first time or you’ve done it for years and would rather hand it over, Digitax can help. We’re a Colchester based accountancy practice that prepares and files Self Assessment tax returns for sole traders, landlords, contractors and company directors across the UK. We check your figures, claim what you’re entitled to, and get your return in before HMRC’s deadline. You won’t be the one refreshing the government gateway at 11pm on 31 January.
Self Assessment Tax Return Support
Digitax handles your tax return from start to finish. We gather what we need from you, work out what’s taxable and what isn’t, calculate what you owe and submit the return through HMRC recognised software. If you’re not sure whether you need to file one at all. We’ll tell you straight rather than sign you up for something you don’t need. And if HMRC has already written to you about a missed return or a query, we can pick that up too.
Our Self Assessment Tax Return Services
Every tax return is different, so we base our support on what you actually need rather than a fixed package. Below are the two areas clients ask about most. If you also need bookkeeping or payroll alongside your tax return, we handle that too.
Self Assessment Registration
We help you register for Self Assessment with HMRC and obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference where required. We’ll confirm what information you need, complete the registration process and explain your upcoming filing and payment deadlines.
Tax Return Preparation & Filing
We prepare your return from your records, check it against what HMRC already knows about you, and file it well before the deadline. You'll always know what you owe and when it's due, with time to plan for it rather than scramble.
Why Choose Digitax for Tax Returns in Colchester?
We keep tax returns simple and predictable. You get a named contact who knows your figures, a return that’s checked before it’s filed, and straight answers when a HMRC letter lands on your doorstep. Getting started takes one call: we go through your situation, tell you what we need from you, and take the deadline off your plate. We’re based in Colchester and see clients face to face across Essex, but most of the people we file for are supported remotely, wherever in the UK they’re based.
Not Sure If You Need to File a Tax Return?
Whether you’re newly self-employed, letting a property, or you’ve fallen behind on a return, our team can tell you where you stand and take it from there.
FAQ About Self Assessment Tax Returns
Who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return?
You may need to file a Self Assessment tax return if you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment before expenses, were a partner in a business partnership, received untaxed property or investment income, made taxable capital gains, or need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge outside PAYE. You must also submit a return if HMRC asks you to do so. Being a company director does not automatically mean you need to file, but you may need one if you receive dividends or other income that has not been fully taxed. Digitax can review your circumstances and confirm whether registration and filing are required.
When is the tax return deadline?
Online returns for the 2025/26 tax year are due by 31 January 2027, which is also the deadline for paying any tax owed. Paper returns are due earlier, by 31 October 2026. We track your deadline and file with time to spare rather than against the clock.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
HMRC charges a £100 fixed penalty the moment you’re even a day late, rising to £10 a day after three months, up to £900. Miss it by six or twelve months and further penalties apply on top. Interest also builds on any unpaid tax, so it’s worth getting ahead of rather than catching up on.
How much does it cost to file a tax return?
It depends on how straightforward your income is. A sole trader return costs less to prepare than one with rental income, dividends and capital gains all in the mix. We’ll give you a fixed quote once we know what’s involved, so there are no surprises.
What records do I need to give my accountant?
Typically your income and expense records for the tax year, any P60 or P45, bank interest and dividend statements, and details of property income if you’re a landlord. We’ll send you a checklist for your specific situation so you’re not guessing what to dig out.
Can I register for Self Assessment voluntarily?
Yes. Some people register even when it isn’t strictly required, for example to claim tax relief, prove income for a mortgage application, or pay voluntary Class 2 National Insurance. We can talk through whether it makes sense for you.
What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and does it affect me?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax replaces the annual paper-style return with quarterly digital updates for people above certain income thresholds. It applies from April 2026 if your qualifying income was over £50,000, from April 2027 above £30,000, and from April 2028 above £20,000. We’ll let you know when it applies to you and get your bookkeeping ready in advance.
Do I need to pay tax in advance (payments on account)?
If your last Self Assessment bill was over £1,000, HMRC usually asks for two advance payments toward the following year’s tax: one by 31 January and one by 31 July. We build these into your planning so they don’t catch you out.
Can you deal with HMRC if they open an enquiry?
Yes. If HMRC queries or opens an enquiry into a tax return, we can correspond with them directly on your behalf, gather the supporting information they’ve asked for, and handle it through to a close.
What if I need to correct a tax return I've already filed?
You can usually amend a Self Assessment return within twelve months of the filing deadline. We can review what was submitted, work out what needs correcting, and resubmit it properly.
Do landlords and sole traders file the same type of return?
Both use the Self Assessment tax return, but different supplementary pages apply: the property pages for rental income, the self-employment pages for trading income. If you have both, they go on the same return, which we prepare together so nothing’s missed.
How do I switch accountants to Digitax?
We contact your previous accountant for professional clearance and request your records directly, so there’s very little for you to do. Most switches are complete well before your next filing deadline.
Helpful Resources
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Self Assessment Tax Returns
Official GOV.UK guidance covering who needs to submit a tax return, registration, filing, payments and penalties. VIEW GUIDE
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Business Records for Self-Employed People
Official guidance on recording business income, expenses and tax information. VIEW GUIDE
