Written by the TaxTune Editorial Team · Reviewed by our qualified accountants · Updated for 2026
The quick answer A simple return with one income source is reasonable to do yourself. Once you have self employment, property, dividends, higher rate pension relief or capital gains, an accountant usually saves more than the fee by claiming everything and avoiding penalties. The right choice depends on complexity and how much your time is worth.

When doing it yourself is fine

If your affairs are straightforward, for example one source of income and no reliefs to juggle, filing yourself through HMRC is sensible. The form guides you, and the tax is easy to check.

When an accountant pays for itself

  1. Multiple income sources. Self employment, property, dividends and employment together are easy to get wrong.
  2. Reliefs you might miss. Higher rate pension relief and expenses are routinely underclaimed by people filing alone.
  3. A first year of trading. Registration, payments on account and expenses all need setting up correctly.
  4. Peace of mind. A checked, optimised return removes the risk of penalties and the January stress.

Not sure which side you fall on?

If your return has more than one moving part, the fee is usually smaller than the tax and stress it saves. TaxTune will tell you honestly whether you need us, and handle it in full if you do.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I do my own Self Assessment?

Yes. For a simple return with one income source and no reliefs to manage, filing yourself through HMRC is reasonable and the tax is easy to check.

When should I use an accountant?

When you have several income sources, property, dividends, higher rate pension relief, capital gains, or a first year of trading, an accountant usually saves more than the fee.

Will an accountant save me money?

Often yes, by claiming every allowable expense and relief and avoiding penalties. For complex returns the saving frequently exceeds the fee.

How much does an accountant cost for a tax return?

It depends on complexity. We work on a fixed fee agreed up front, based on how many income sources you have, so there are no surprises.

Is it risky to file my own return?

For simple affairs, no. For more complex ones, mistakes can mean overpaid tax or penalties, which is where a checked, optimised return earns its keep.