Self Assessment Survival Guide
Everything you need to file your first tax return with confidence
First Tax Return? It Doesn't Have to Be Scary.
You've made the jump to self-employment. The work's coming in. But now there's a deadline looming: 31 January.
Self Assessment. The words alone are enough to make most people's eyes glaze over. HMRC forms, UTR numbers, payments on account, allowable expenses...
You could spend hours Googling, piecing together advice from random forums and out-of-date blog posts. Or pay an accountant £150-350 just to file a simple return.
Or: You could follow a clear, step-by-step guide written specifically for tradespeople — covering everything from registration to submission, in plain English.
6 Files. Everything You Need.
Not just a PDF — a complete toolkit with spreadsheets, checklists, and calendars to keep you on track.
Self Assessment Survival Guide
CORE GUIDE13-page PDF covering everything: registering for Self Assessment, understanding allowable expenses, key deadlines, calculating your tax, payments on account explained, and when (and how) to work with an accountant.
Expense Tracker 2025-26
Excel spreadsheet with monthly tabs, automatic totals, and a built-in mileage log. Track expenses throughout the year so tax time is a breeze.
Tax Deadline Calendar 2025-26
Visual calendar with all key dates: registration deadlines, payment dates, and submission windows. Never miss a deadline again.
Allowable Expenses Checklist
Tick-box checklist of everything tradespeople can claim. Tools, materials, vehicle costs, phone bills, workwear — don't miss a deduction.
Accountant Preparation Checklist
Decided to use an accountant? This checklist ensures you have everything ready, saving time and reducing their fees.
Read Me First
Quick-start guide so you know exactly where to begin and how to use everything in the bundle.
All 6 files for just
Preparation Saves You Money
Whether you file yourself or use an accountant, being organised and understanding the basics means less stress and lower costs.
Average hourly accountant rate
Time saved when you're prepared
Potential savings with your accountant
The truth: Accountants charge by the hour. When you turn up with a shoebox of receipts and no idea what's going on, they have to do everything from scratch. But when you arrive prepared — expenses tracked, deadlines understood, questions ready — they can focus on the valuable stuff. That's less time, lower fees, and better advice.
This Is For You If...
What You'll Learn
Common Questions
Ready to Take Control of Your Tax?
For less than the cost of one hour with an accountant, you'll have everything you need to file your Self Assessment with confidence.
2025/26 tax year. Written for tradespeople. Plain English throughout.
Instant download. Secure checkout.