The Smart Taxpayer’s Guide: File Your 2024/25 Return Early and Let BES Handle the Paperwork

Filing your self-assessment tax return doesn’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, or complicated. With the right planning and support, it can be an opportunity to take control of your finances, unlock refunds sooner, and give yourself peace of mind throughout the year. At BES Accountancy Services—one of the top accounting firms in London—we help smart taxpayers across the UK stay ahead by filing early and accurately.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly why now is the best time to file your 2024/25 self-assessment tax return. Whether you're a sole trader, freelancer, landlord, or limited company director, you'll find practical advice, time-saving tips, and professional insight to make early filing simple and stress-free.

Call our director Besnik today: 07816264205

The Smart Taxpayer’s Guide: File Your 2024/25 Return Early and Let BES Handle the Paperwork

What is Self-Assessment and Who Needs to File?

Self-assessment is the system used by HMRC to collect income tax from individuals whose income isn’t automatically taxed. If any of the following applies to you, you likely need to file a return:

• You’re self-employed or a sole trader.

• You earn rental income from property.

• You receive income from abroad.

• You’re a company director.

• You receive dividends or have investment income.

• You earned over £100,000 in the year.

Understanding whether you need to register for self-assessment with HMRC is the first step. At BES, we offer expert self-assessment tax help across the UK to ensure no one misses out or misfiles.

At BES Accountancy Services, we support businesses in adopting the right accounting software by providing expert guidance, setup support, and tailored reporting tools—helping you move from reactive bookkeeping to proactive financial control.

Five Reasons to File Your 2024/25 Tax Return Early

1. Faster Tax Refunds When You Need Them Most

Filing your return now means HMRC can process any refund sooner, often within two to three weeks. This could be especially helpful as summer approaches, allowing you to reinvest in your business, save for a family holiday, or handle unplanned expenses.

Early refunds are a game changer for many of our clients who need reliable cash flow over the summer period.

2. Avoid the January Rush and Reduce Stress

The deadline for online tax return submissions is 31 January 2026. But waiting until then leads to stress, delays, and the risk of mistakes. Submitting your self-assessment tax return early allows for careful review, proactive support, and a smoother process.

At BES Accountancy, we help clients file 6 to 9 months early to avoid the chaos of January.

3. Better Cash Flow and Financial Planning

When you know your tax liability in advance, you can make better financial decisions. Whether that means spreading payments, saving ahead, or investing confidently, early filing gives you room to plan with clarity.

This is especially valuable for freelancers, contractors, and growing SMEs who deal with fluctuating income.

4. More Time to Spot Deductions and Avoid Errors

Filing early gives you time to:

• Review income sources.

• Correct tax code errors.

• Maximise allowable expenses.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring you pay the right amount—and not a penny more. Our trusted tax advisors at BES identify reliefs, tax credits, and deductions many people overlook.

5. Mental Freedom Over the Summer

Running a business or managing your finances is demanding enough. By getting your tax affairs sorted early, you free up your mind and schedule. Imagine enjoying your summer without a tax deadline looming in the background.

Let BES handle the paperwork so you can focus on growth, not government forms.

Trust the experts at BES Accountancy Services to handle your books with precision, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

The BES Accountancy Advantage

Founded in 2020, BES Accountancy Services is a London-based firm offering expert financial support to individuals and businesses throughout the UK. Most of our clients are in London, where we’ve built a reputation for precision, availability, and trust.

Led by Besnik Vata, a certified bookkeeper with an AAT licence, our team of five offers:

• Tax return submission services

• VAT and payroll support

• Bookkeeping for self-employed professionals

• Year-end financial reporting

• Digital tax filing using Xero and QuickBooks

We serve a wide range of clients, from startups and investors to contractors and established SMEs with 10+ employees. No matter your size, we tailor our approach to suit your needs.

Visit us at 75 Colney Hatch Lane, London, N10 1LR for a free consultation,

or call 07816264205 to get started.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your 2024/25 Self-Assessment Tax Return

1. Register or confirm with HMRC

• If it’s your first return, you’ll need to register and get a UTR number.

2. Gather your documents

• Income records (employment, self-employment, rental, dividends)

• Expense receipts and invoices

• P60s, P45s, pension summaries

• Bank interest statements

3. Calculate your taxable income

• Deduct allowable expenses, reliefs, and contributions.

4. Complete and review your return

• Double-check your figures and supporting evidence.

5. Submit the return and pay any tax due

• Submit online by 31 January 2026 (or 31 October 2025 for paper).

Related:

We’re excited to announce a strategic partnership between BES Accountancy Services and MERX Marketing — bringing together financial expertise and cutting-edge marketing solutions to help businesses not only stay compliant and profitable but also grow their brand visibility and reach.

 Read more about our partnership here.

Your Early Filing Checklist:

What You Need to Prepare for Your Self-Assessment Tax Return

UTR and National Insurance Number

Start by locating your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and National Insurance number. These are essential for accessing HMRC services and filing your return accurately.

Income Records

Gather details of all income received during the tax year, including self-employment earnings, salaries, rental income, dividends, and interest from savings. Complete income records ensure your return is both accurate and compliant.

Business Expenses and Receipts

Keep organised records of any business-related expenses, including receipts. Claiming allowable expenses correctly helps reduce your tax bill and avoid discrepancies in your return.

Charitable Donations and Pension Contributions

If you’ve made any donations under Gift Aid or contributed to a private pension scheme, you may be entitled to tax relief. Be sure to include these amounts in your return.

Employment Documentation

Have your P60 or P45 to hand if you were employed during the year, and include any P11D forms that report benefits or expenses provided by your employer.

HMRC Login or Accountant Authorisation

Make sure you have access to your Government Gateway account to submit your return. Alternatively, if BES Accountancy is filing on your behalf, confirm that authorisation with HMRC is already in place.

Don’t want the hassle? Let BES do all of this for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overlooking Deductions

Many individuals miss out on valuable tax relief simply because they aren’t aware of what they can claim. From home office costs to business mileage, failing to include legitimate expenses means you could be paying more tax than necessary.

Misreporting Income

Reporting income incorrectly—whether by omitting a source or using the wrong figures—is one of the most common reasons for HMRC enquiries. Accurate income reporting is essential to avoid red flags or costly amendments later.

Missing Deadlines

Leaving your return until the last minute increases the risk of errors and penalties. Missing the 31 January deadline could result in automatic fines, even if you owe no tax.

Errors with Tax Codes

Using the wrong tax code can lead to overpayments or underpayments throughout the year, complicating your return and affecting future income. Ensuring your tax code is correct helps keep your records clean and consistent.

Facing Unnecessary Penalties

Inaccuracies, missed deadlines, or lack of supporting documentation can trigger penalties from HMRC. These are often avoidable with the right support and timely filing.

At BES Accountancy, we make sure your return is not only accurate and compliant but also fully optimised—so you don’t pay a penny more than you should.

The Future of Tax Filing: Digital and Efficient

As HMRC moves toward Making Tax Digital, digital compliance is no longer optional. We help clients transition to digital tools, from setting up accounting software to using real-time dashboards that simplify tracking income and expenses.

As a smart taxpayer, you deserve smart tools—and BES makes it easy.

Final Thoughts: Act Early, Stay Ahead

Filing your 2024/25 self-assessment tax return early is one of the smartest moves you can make this year. From faster refunds to peace of mind, early action gives you control.

With BES Accountancy Services, you don’t have to do it alone.

Let our experienced accountants manage your return from start to finish. We’ll handle the paperwork so you can focus on your goals.

Call now on 07816264205

or visit us at 75 Colney Hatch Lane, London, N10 1LR