A guide to registering for Self-Assessment

1 min read

If you’ve never had to complete a self-assessment tax return, the first time can be daunting. But don’t worry: we’ll demystify the process in this article. And if you have completed one before, this guide might still teach you a thing or two about doing your self-assessment better.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SELF-ASSESSMENT?

Self-assessment is the way millions of people in the UK report and pay their taxes. Specifically, 11.7 million people filed their tax return via self-assessment for the 31 January deadline in 2023.

As the name suggests, self-assessment is all about the taxpayer assessing their own tax liabilities by telling HMRC about their financial activities and income via form SA100. HMRC then uses that reported income to work out how much tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) you need to pay.

guide to registering for self-assessment

You might be interested in...

  4. Case Study Mosaic Board Print

    14 May 2026

    Case Study: Mosaic Board Print

    Our Corporate Finance team helped deliver the successful sale of Mosaic Board Print, a distinctive beermat printing business. Read more to find out how we helped.

    Learn more

    Case Study: Mosaic Board Print
  5. Will Haselden's "Accountant of the Year"

    06 May 2026

    Will Haselden awarded Accountant of the Year

    Will Haselden, Partner from our TC Leonherman (South Manchester) office won 'Accountant of the Year' at the 2026 Insider North West Young Professionals Awards.

    Learn more

    Will Haselden awarded Accountant of the Year
  6. New Tax System Changes for 2026/27

    01 May 2026

    New Tax System Changes for 2026/27

    As we've now entered the new tax year, we've outlined below how to prepare for the new tax system changes for 2026/27 and why planning ahead for your tax return in January 2027 is advised. Read our blog for an overview of the upcoming changes.

    Learn more

    New Tax System Changes for 2026/27