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For Bookkeepers

Tax Return for Bookkeepers

Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.

  • Track client income
  • Software expense tracking
  • Home office deductions
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical bookkeepers earnings £32,000/year

Gross Income£32,000
Expenses2,500
Taxable Profit£29,500
Income Tax£3,386
National Insurance£1,016

*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.

Allowable Expenses for Bookkeepers

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Bookkeeping Software

Subscriptions for bookkeeping, payroll, and client management software.

Tip: Annual subscriptions are fully deductible.

Professional Memberships

ICB, IAB, or other bookkeeping association fees.

Tip: Keep renewal receipts each year.

Home Office Costs

Proportion of rent, utilities, and internet for your home office.

Tip: Use simplified expenses or calculate actual costs.

Training and CPD

Courses to maintain or update your bookkeeping skills.

Tip: Keep certificates and receipts.

More expenses you can claim

Professional indemnity insurance
Phone costs
Client travel expenses
Computer equipment
Marketing and website costs
Accounting software fees

How to File Your Tax Return

Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements

2

Enter Income & Expenses

Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow

3

Review Your Calculation

See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations

4

Submit to HMRC

File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes

Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year

Don't miss these important dates

5 April 2025

Tax Year Ends

Calculate your final income and expenses

5 October 2025

Register for Self Assessment

If this is your first year self-employed

31 January 2026

Online Filing Deadline

Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed

6 April 2026

MTD Starts (£50k+)

If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software

Late Filing Penalties

1 day late: £100 fixed penalty

3 months late: £10/day up to £900

6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)

12 months late: Additional 5% or £300

Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about tax returns for bookkeepers

Do bookkeepers need to register as self-employed?

If you provide bookkeeping services to clients and invoice for your work, you must register for Self Assessment.

Can I claim software subscriptions?

Yes. Bookkeeping software and related tools are allowable business expenses.

What about home office costs?

You can claim a proportion of household costs or use the simplified expenses method at £6 per week.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK bookkeepers who trust QTax for their Self Assessment