---
title: How to Choose a Self Assessment Accountant in 2026/27
description: "**Updated for 2026/27.** You do not legally need an accountant to submit a Self Assessment return, but professional help can be valuable when income is complex, records are incomplete or tax-saving choices need to be made before a deadline. ##…"
url: "https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/why-should-i-choose-self-assessment-accountants/"
updated: "2026-08-12"
category: Self Assessment Tax Return
---

# How to Choose a Self Assessment Accountant in 2026/27

**Updated for 2026/27.** You do not legally need an accountant to submit a Self Assessment return, but professional help can be valuable when income is complex, records are incomplete or tax-saving choices need to be made before a deadline.

## When a Self Assessment accountant is most useful

- You have more than one source of income, such as employment, self-employment, rent, dividends or overseas income.
- You sold property, shares, cryptoassets or another chargeable asset.
- You are a higher earner affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge, pension annual allowance or loss of the Personal Allowance.
- You are newly self-employed and need help choosing record-keeping methods and allowable expenses.
- HMRC has opened an enquiry or your records do not agree with information already reported.
- You expect to fall within Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

## What an accountant should do

A good accountant does more than type figures into a return. They should check the completeness of your income, identify appropriate reliefs and expenses, reconcile tax already deducted, review payments on account, explain the tax calculation and submit only after you approve it. They should also tell you what records to retain and flag decisions that need attention during the year.

## 2026/27 deadlines and MTD changes

The 2026/27 tax year runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. Paper Self Assessment returns are generally due by 31 October 2027, while online returns and balancing payments are due by 31 January 2028. Waiting until January leaves little time to find missing documents or correct errors.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax begins from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000, extends above £30,000 from April 2027 and above £20,000 from April 2028. An accountant can help assess whether you are in scope, choose compatible software and establish digital record-keeping and quarterly update processes.

## How to choose the right accountant

1. **Check relevant experience.** Ask how often they handle returns like yours, including property, capital gains, overseas income or self-employment where relevant.
2. **Confirm professional status.** Many reputable advisers belong to bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIOT or AAT. Verify membership directly with the professional body.
3. **Understand the service.** Establish whether the quote includes bookkeeping checks, tax calculations, HMRC correspondence, amendments and advice during the year.
4. **Ask about security.** Financial records contain sensitive data. Confirm how documents are transferred, stored and accessed.
5. **Agree responsibilities.** You remain responsible for an accurate return even when an agent submits it, so insist on reviewing the final figures.

## Questions to ask before appointing an accountant

- Who will actually prepare and review my return?
- What information do you need, and by what date?
- Is the fee fixed, and what work would cost extra?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- Will you act as my HMRC agent and handle routine queries?
- How do you protect my data and verify requests for payment?

## How much does a Self Assessment accountant cost?

Fees vary with complexity, record quality, location and how close you are to the filing deadline. A straightforward return normally costs less than one involving a rental portfolio, capital disposals, foreign income or substantial bookkeeping. Compare the work included rather than choosing solely on the lowest headline price.

## Red flags to avoid

Be cautious if an adviser promises a refund before seeing your records, suggests claiming personal costs, refuses to explain the calculation, asks you to approve a blank return or wants an HMRC repayment paid into an unrelated account. Legitimate tax planning works within the law and should be supported by evidence.

## Preparing for your first meeting

Collect your Unique Taxpayer Reference, National Insurance number, prior return, P60/P45 documents, bank interest, dividend vouchers, pension contributions, gift-aid donations, property records, business income and expenses, and details of asset sales. Give the accountant complete information: HMRC may already receive figures from employers, banks and other organisations.

Read HMRC's official guidance on [Self Assessment tax returns](https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns), then compare suitably qualified professionals in our [UK accountant directory](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/). Our guide on [whether you need an accountant for Self Assessment](https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/knowledge-bank/do-you-need-an-accountant-for-self-assessment/) provides a further decision checklist.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can an accountant guarantee that HMRC will not investigate?

No. An accountant can improve accuracy and documentation, but HMRC decides which returns to check.

### When should I appoint one?

Ideally, appoint an accountant well before the January deadline—earlier where tax planning, registration or MTD preparation is required.

*This article is general information and does not replace advice based on your circumstances.*