How do I know if I need to complete a self-assessment tax return?

You may need to prepare and submit a self-assessment tax return if:

• You are a self-employed sole trader and earned over £1,000
• You are a partner of a business partnership

• You have untaxed income for example, property income, tips and commission or income from savings and dividends that exceed your tax-free limits.

• You have overseas income. 

You may also need to consider your tax position if you or your partner received Child Benefit and either of you had adjusted net income of more than £60,000. If you are required to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) you will need to do so via self-assessment if you have not already arranged to pay it via a reduction to your personal tax code.  

This list is not exhaustive, but gives you an idea of what can trigger the need for a self-assessment tax return.

If you need to complete a self-assessment tax return for the first time and don’t know where to start, we can help.

Need help completing your self-assessment tax return

We love working with self-employed professionals and business owners and if you are not receiving the service and support you deserve from your accountant then talk to our friendly team at TaxAssist Accountants. Call us on 01476 590 555 or drop us a line using our online enquiry form.

Last updated 4 Aug 2026 | First published 7 Jan 2020

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This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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