What Should I Bring to My Accountant for My Tax Return?

Preparing for your tax return is easier with the right documents. Learn what to bring to your accountant to ensure an accurate, stress-free, and tax-efficient submission.

Introduction

Working with an accountant to complete your tax return can save you time, stress, and potentially money. However, your accountant can only give accurate advice and prepare your return efficiently if you provide all the necessary information and documents.

Whether you are self-employed, a landlord, or employed with additional income, knowing what to bring to your accountant will make the process smoother and ensure you claim every allowable deduction. This article outlines the key documents and information you should gather before meeting your accountant to complete your tax return.

1. Personal Identification and Basic Information

Your accountant will need your personal details to access your tax records and file your return correctly. Be prepared to provide:

  • Your National Insurance number.

  • Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you are self-employed or file a Self Assessment.

  • Your Government Gateway login details if applicable.

  • Your bank account information for potential tax refunds.

  • Proof of identity if you are a new client, such as a passport or driving licence, to comply with anti-money laundering rules.

If your circumstances have changed — for example, if you have married, moved house, or changed jobs — your accountant should also be informed so your records can be updated.

2. Income Information

Your accountant will need details of all income you have received during the tax year (6 April to 5 April). This includes both employment and self-employment income, as well as any additional sources such as property or dividends.

If you are employed:

  • P60 form: This summarises your total earnings and tax paid for the year.

  • P45 form: If you changed jobs during the year.

  • P11D or benefits statement: Details of company benefits or expenses paid by your employer.

If you are self-employed:

  • Records of all income, including invoices, receipts, and bank statements.

  • Details of payments received through platforms like PayPal or Stripe.

  • Income from any part-time freelance work or side business.

Other income sources:

  • Rental income and related expenses if you are a landlord.

  • Dividend and interest income from savings or investments.

  • Pension income or annuities.

  • Any foreign income or overseas assets.

Providing all sources of income ensures your accountant can prepare a complete and accurate return.

3. Expense and Deduction Records

Your accountant can only claim tax deductions for expenses if you have records or receipts to prove them. Gather information on all allowable expenses relevant to your work or business.

Common examples include:

  • Office supplies, tools, and equipment.

  • Travel and vehicle costs related to work.

  • Marketing, website hosting, and advertising.

  • Professional fees such as insurance and memberships.

  • Home office expenses if you work from home (a portion of rent, utilities, and internet).

  • Subscriptions or training courses related to your job.

If you use accounting software or digital records, you can simply share these with your accountant rather than handing over physical paperwork.

4. Business Records (for Self-Employed Clients)

Self-employed individuals must keep detailed financial records for their business. Your accountant will need access to:

  • Bank statements for business accounts.

  • Invoices issued and received.

  • Expense receipts and purchase records.

  • Mileage logs for business travel.

  • VAT returns if you are VAT registered.

  • Details of any assets purchased or sold during the year for capital allowances.

Organising these records before your appointment will make the process faster and more accurate.

5. Property and Investment Details

If you earn money from property or investments, your accountant will need documents to calculate the correct tax:

  • Rent received and details of letting agents’ statements.

  • Mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, and service charges for rental properties.

  • Buy-to-let purchase or sale documentation.

  • Dividend vouchers or statements from shares and investment accounts.

  • Records of any cryptocurrency transactions or investment gains and losses.

These details help ensure you pay the right amount of tax on your investment income and claim allowable deductions.

6. Pension and Savings Information

If you have pensions or savings, provide your accountant with:

  • Pension contribution statements.

  • Details of state or private pension income.

  • Certificates of interest earned from savings accounts.

  • Any payments into ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts).

This helps your accountant identify any tax relief you may be entitled to, such as higher-rate pension contribution relief.

7. Student Loans, Child Benefits, and Other Government Payments

If you make student loan repayments, your accountant will need to know which plan you are on and the amount repaid during the year.

If you receive Child Benefit, your accountant must know this if your income exceeds £50,000, as you may need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

You should also provide details of any other government support received, such as:

  • Universal Credit.

  • Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payments.

  • COVID-19 business grants.

All of these can affect your tax calculation.

8. Previous Tax Returns and Correspondence

If your accountant did not prepare your previous tax returns, provide copies of your last return and any correspondence from HMRC. This includes:

  • Statements of account.

  • Payment on account notices.

  • Any adjustments or refunds from previous years.

Having this information ensures your accountant can cross-check figures and carry forward any unused allowances or losses.

9. Important Deadlines and Communication

Your accountant will remind you of important dates:

  • 31 October for paper tax return submissions.

  • 31 January for online submissions and payment of tax.

To give your accountant enough time, it is best to provide your documents well before these deadlines — ideally by early autumn.

Make sure your accountant has your up-to-date contact information so they can clarify any details or request missing documents quickly.

10. Organising Your Information

To make your accountant’s job easier:

  • Group documents by category (income, expenses, investments, etc.).

  • Use digital folders or cloud storage to share records securely.

  • Label all files clearly with the relevant tax year.

If you use accounting software, most systems allow you to export reports summarising income and expenses for the year, which can speed up the process significantly.

Example Scenario

Alex is a self-employed copywriter. Each year, he provides his accountant with:

  • A spreadsheet showing all invoices and expenses.

  • Bank statements for his business account.

  • Receipts for home office and travel expenses.

  • Pension and savings statements.

  • His previous year’s tax return.

Because Alex keeps organised records and sends them early, his accountant completes the return well before the deadline and identifies additional deductions, saving him over £400 in tax.

Conclusion

Bringing the right information to your accountant makes your tax return faster, more accurate, and often more cost-effective. Key items include proof of income, expense records, bank statements, investment details, and pension contributions.

Being organised not only helps your accountant work efficiently but also ensures you claim every deduction and stay compliant with HMRC. Providing complete and accurate records early in the tax year means less stress for you and more opportunities for your accountant to save you money.