Lewisham Self Assessment, made simple

Who needs a tax return in Lewisham?

Briefly: you need a Self Assessment return if you have income HMRC cannot tax through PAYE, such as freelance work, rent, dividends, gains or foreign income.

As a Lewisham tax return accountant we work with Deptford artists and makers, Forest Hill and Sydenham freelancers, Catford small businesses and landlords letting flats near Goldsmiths and along the Overground. Many clients have just started working for themselves and want to get it right from the beginning.

Common reasons HMRC needs a tax return

• Profits from freelance or self-employed work
• Rent from a flat, house or room, above the £1,000 property allowance
• Dividends from your own company or shares
• Gains on property, shares or crypto
• Income from overseas savings, property or pensions
• The High Income Child Benefit Charge
• A letter from HMRC asking you to file

Self-employed tax returns in Lewisham

New freelancers often worry about what they can claim. We explain the trading allowance, simplified expenses for working from home and mileage, and claim equipment and software, so your first return is right. See self-employed accountants and add bookkeeping if you would like records kept for you.

Landlord tax returns in Lewisham

Lewisham landlords include first-time landlords letting a former home. We explain registration, allowable costs and mortgage interest relief, and prepare clear returns. Mortgage interest relief is a 20% tax credit, rising to 22% from April 2027 when property income gets its own 22%, 42% and 47% rates. More on landlord tax returns; for missed rent, the Let Property Campaign.

Starting out as a freelancer

Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year you started. Keep simple records of income and costs, put aside around a quarter of profit for tax and National Insurance, and remember payments on account may start after your first return. We set you up properly from day one. See self-employed accountants.

Partnership tax returns

If you run a business with someone else, the partnership files an SA800 and every partner reports their share. We handle the whole set, together. See partnership tax returns.

Capital Gains Tax reporting

Sold a flat, shares or an inherited property? Gains over £3,000 are taxable at 18% or 24%, and residential property sales have a separate 60-day reporting deadline. Our Capital Gains Tax team handles both returns.

Foreign income reporting

Savings, rent or pensions from abroad usually belong on the foreign pages of your return, with relief for overseas tax. If past years were missed, our WDF service sorts it out.

Crypto tax reporting

Crypto is taxed as property in the UK. We calculate gains using same-day, 30-day and Section 104 rules and complete the crypto boxes on your return. More on our crypto page.

Documents for your Lewisham Self Assessment

Keep it simple: send what you have and we will tell you if anything is missing.

• Employment figures: P60, P11D for benefits
• Self-employment: sales, invoices and bank statements
• Expenses: receipts or a summary by category
• Property: rent received, agent statements and mortgage interest
• Investments: dividends, interest and sale contracts
• Overseas: foreign statements and proof of tax paid
• Pensions and Gift Aid: contribution and donation totals

Penalties for late filing

What if I miss the deadline? Miss 31 January and HMRC charges £100, even if no tax is due. After three months daily penalties start, and more follow at six and twelve months. New points-based penalties arrive for all Self Assessment from April 2027.

Why Lewisham clients choose Wingate

• Chartered Certified Accountants and HMRC registered tax agent
• Fixed fees from £150, VAT included
• Experience with landlords, the self-employed, partnerships, investors and overseas income disclosures
• Fast replies by phone, email or WhatsApp
• Also VAT returns, company accounts, payroll, HMRC disclosures and tax investigation support

Looking elsewhere in the capital? See Self Assessment tax returns in London.

Official guidance: Check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return · Self Assessment deadlines