Self-Assessment tax return Checklist
- Ben Davies
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
With the HMRC self-assessment tax return deadline fast approaching on the 31st January, I have decided to write this month’s blog on what information is required when filing your tax returns. This means that your tax return is accurate, compliant, and optimised — helping you avoid penalties, errors, and unnecessary tax.
1. Personal Information
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Current address and contact details (phone and email)
- Marital status (and date of marriage or civil partnership, if applicable)
- Details of any name or address changes during the tax year
- Government Gateway login (if filing yourself) or authority for us to file on your behalf
2. Foreign Income & Residency
- Overseas income (employment, rental, dividends, pensions)
- Foreign tax paid
- UK residency status for the year
- Number of days spent in and outside the UK
- Domicile status (if relevant)
3. Employment Income
- P60(s)
- P45(s) (if you left employment during the year)
- P11D(s) for benefits in kind (company car, medical insurance, etc.)
- Details of bonuses, tips, or benefits not shown on P60/P11D
- Employer PAYE reference(s)
4. Self-Employment / Sole Trader Income
- Trading name and nature of business
- Accounting period
- Total income (turnover)
- Allowable business expenses (receipts, invoices, mileage logs)
- Capital allowances (equipment, vehicles, tools)
- Losses brought forward or incurred in the year
- Details of grants or COVID/business support payments received
5. Property Income
- Total rental income received
- Allowable expenses (repairs, insurance, agent fees, mortgage interest, etc.)
- Dates the property was let
- Details of jointly owned properties and ownership percentages
- Furnished Holiday Lettings (if applicable)
6. Investment & Savings Income
- Bank and building society interest
- Dividend income (UK and overseas)
- Bond or other investment interest
- ISA details (for information only – not taxable)
7. Capital Gains
- Sale of property, shares, cryptoassets, or other chargeable assets
- Purchase and sale dates
- Purchase and sale prices
- Associated costs (legal fees, estate agents, SDLT)
- Main residence details (periods lived in the property)
- Any UK property 60-day CGT returns already submitted
8. Pensions
- State Pension received
- Private or occupational pension income (P60 or annual statements)
- Pension contributions made (personal and employer)
- Any lump sums or pension withdrawals
9. Other Income
- Trust income
- Taxable benefits (e.g. Jobseeker’s Allowance, Carer’s Allowance)
- Redundancy or termination payments
- Casual or side income
- Royalties or intellectual property income
Deductions, Reliefs & Allowances
- Gift Aid donations
- Personal pension contributions not already given tax relief
- Student loan repayments (plan type)
- Marriage Allowance claims or transfers
- Professional subscriptions and trade union fees
- Employment expenses not reimbursed by your employer
11. Other Relevant Details
- Child Benefit received (for High Income Child Benefit Charge purposes)
- Tax code notices or correspondence from HMRC
- CIS statements (construction subcontractors)
- Payments on account already made
- Bank details for any tax refund
12. Authority to Act
- Signed 64-8 form OR
- Written confirmation approving the return before submission
Reminder: HMRC requires all taxable income to be declared — even if you believe HMRC already has the information.
If this checklist feels overwhelming, that’s usually a sign you may need professional support. If you would like us to complete and submit your tax return on your behalf, please get in touch using the link below.
Important: If you are engaging with us to complete and submit your tax return on your behalf, Sections 1 and 12 are mandatory.
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