Skip the January Panic: 5 Time-Saving Tips to File Your 2024/25 Self‑Assessment Return the Easy Way
- bes Accountancy Services
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
January may seem far off, but if you're responsible for filing a self-assessment tax return, the clock is already ticking. At BES Accountancy Services—one of London’s top accounting firms—we believe that early action leads to smoother, more strategic financial management. This guide offers five time-saving tips that make filing your 2024/25 self-assessment return straightforward, stress-free, and advantageous to your business or personal finances.
Filing early means you can avoid penalties, unlock quicker tax refunds, and enjoy peace of mind well before the festive season. Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, or investor, this is the smart way to get ahead of the January rush.
Call our director Besnik today: 07816264205
Why Now Is the Best Time to File
There’s a reason proactive individuals and businesses submit their returns well before the 31 January 2026 deadline. Filing early brings a host of benefits:
Quicker access to tax refunds.
Avoidance of late filing penalties.
More time to correct mistakes and clarify information.
Stress-free holidays and a clearer head for business planning.
Improved cash flow forecasting.
Based in London but serving the whole of the UK, BES Accountancy Services has helped hundreds of clients file early and reap the rewards. With our hands-on approach, streamlined systems, and expert knowledge of HMRC processes, we make it easy to stay on top of your responsibilities.
Tip 1: Get Organised Early
The first step in saving time is simply to start sooner. Many delays and errors occur when taxpayers scramble to gather documents at the last minute. Use the months ahead to methodically collect what you need.
Start by locating your:
Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.
National Insurance number.
Records of all income (employment, self-employment, property, investments).
Expense records, invoices, and receipts.
Pension contributions and charitable donations.
P60s, P45s, and any dividend statements.
At BES, we provide each client with a document checklist and secure digital folders to store and track submissions. This simple system reduces time spent chasing paperwork later on.
Tip 2: Digitise Your Records
Switching from manual spreadsheets and paper receipts to cloud-based accounting systems can save hours in preparation time. Digital tools such as Xero and QuickBooks—both supported by BES Accountancy—make it easier to categorise expenses, calculate income, and spot missing data.
Digital tax filing also helps meet HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements, which are gradually being phased in for more taxpayers.
The benefits of digital filing include:
Real-time income and expense tracking.
Faster reconciliation of transactions.
Error reduction and accurate record-keeping.
Accessible dashboards to monitor tax obligations year-round.
Want to dive deeper into accounting for businesses?
Read our related blog, where we provide a full guide to submitting your File Your 2024/25 Tax Return Early.
Tip 3: Speak to an Accountant Before the Rush
Engaging with your accountant in the summer or early autumn means you get more attention, faster replies, and a less congested schedule. Waiting until January can result in longer turnaround times and higher levels of pressure.
At BES Accountancy Services, we pride ourselves on being available when our clients need us most. Our London-based team is ready to:
Review your records.
Check your tax code for errors.
Calculate liabilities and identify reliefs.
Submit the return accurately and ahead of time.
Even if you’re unsure whether you need to file, our self-assessment tax support can clarify your position quickly and reliably.
Tip 4: Understand What You Can Claim
Tax relief is one of the most under-utilised tools for freelancers and business owners. Understanding what qualifies as an allowable expense helps reduce your taxable income and boost any refund you may be due.
Common deductible expenses include:
Business travel and mileage.
Office costs (equipment, stationery, software).
Subscriptions and professional fees.
Marketing and advertising spend.
Phone and internet usage.
Working with a trusted tax advisor in London, like BES, ensures you don’t miss legitimate claims or make risky assumptions. We provide a full review of your spending to maximise your return.
Let bes accountancy services save you time and money by handling your accounting.
Tip 5: Use a Professional Tax Submission Service
Time is money—and trying to decode HMRC jargon or navigate online forms without experience can be time-consuming. A professional self-assessment accountant can take the burden off your shoulders and ensure your return is accurate, timely, and fully compliant.
Our team at BES Accountancy provides a complete tax return submission service, including:
Reviewing all income sources.
Managing deadlines and submission protocols.
Advising on payments on account.
Acting as your HMRC-authorised agent.
This service is especially valuable if you have multiple income streams, investments, or complex tax affairs.
Early Filing Checklist
To file your 2024/25 self-assessment tax return efficiently, you’ll need:
UTR number and NI number.
Details of income from employment, self-employment, rental property, dividends, and savings.
Expense records with receipts or proof.
P60, P45, and any payslips for the relevant tax year.
Pension and charitable donation records.
HMRC login details or agent authorisation.
If this list feels overwhelming, don’t worry—BES can guide you through every step.
Common Mistakes We Help You Avoid
Many taxpayers leave money on the table or face penalties due to simple errors. At BES, we help our clients avoid:
Missing the self-assessment deadline.
Forgetting to declare income.
Overlooking allowable expenses.
Using figures from the wrong tax year.
Incorrect tax code adjustment entries.
Our experience ensures your return is not just filed—but filed well.
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The BES Accountancy Promise
Since 2020, BES Accountancy Services has helped hundreds of individuals and businesses stay financially healthy and compliant. Based in North London, we proudly serve clients across the UK, from sole traders and freelancers to growing businesses with 10+ employees.
Our team of five, led by certified bookkeeper Besnik Vata (AAT licensed), delivers a personal and efficient service built on trust. We are experts in digital tax compliance, and our proficiency in QuickBooks and Xero means we’re ready for the future of tax filing.
Ready to take control of your finances?
Avoid the Panic, File with Confidence
Waiting until January might seem harmless, but the costs—emotional, financial, and operational—can be steep. By acting now, you protect your peace of mind and put yourself in a better position to plan, grow, and thrive.
Let BES Accountancy handle the paperwork while you focus on your priorities.
Call 07816264205 or visit us at our London office for a free consultation.
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