[kinder clean]

This will be my first time filling in a tax return (opted for the online service) as you know the deadline for which is 31st January 2009.

Having absolutely no idea about these things do you think a novice can complete this ?

Are there any good websites anyone can recommend (excluding the gov site) that take you through the process in a 'No brainer fashion' ?

I see I need to register to use the online tax return service, does this mean only I can fill in the details or could a professional still be used if I'm struggling

I know it's still a few weeks away yet but I'd rather get it out of the way.

Any help much appreciated.

Paul

[Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)]

Paul

Never done one online and frankly never want to.

Get a good accountant - he will save you more than his fees will cost you.

I know this probably isn't the answer you wanted but I have used the same accountant for 17 years - I go out and earn and he works out all the boring bits and shows me what can and can't be claimed.

Steve

[Cathedral Floorcare]

You can sign up for free training session with your local tax office - I did that a couple of years ago and have done a couple of returns since. It's pretty easy in principle, but what you don't get from the training sessions is the in-depth knowledge that a good accountant has, so it's something you need to weigh up. FWIW I'm planning on switching to using an accountant as I am sure I am missing out on the tricks that a decent accountant can pull. 

[Joe H]

The tax office are now very good at helping.
18 years ago they came to my office (home) and gave lots of advice.

Thye also have a cd with loads of help on it - different forms etc.

However, get an accountant. Should not cost too much and if he/she is a reputable one you may not get much hassle from the tax man - and its directed at through the accountant.
A good one is worth the money.

You get on doing what you best at - cleaning carpets.

[paul macca]

You can get it done professionally for around £100,well worth it as they can make  tax savings and also advise what future tax liability will be.It will still be done on line all you do is give them your details and sign a form giving them pemission to file your return.
 paul 

[derek west]

an accountant is the way to go.
whether you pay a £100 a year or £400 it doesn't matter,
a £100 accountant will probably save you £100 in taxes.
a £400 accountant will probably save you £400 in taxes.
you don't make any money out of it but its a damn sight easier and also you have piece of mind.
derek

[Jim_77]

I do it myself Paul.  It's daunting the first time you do it, but after that you get used to it.  As long as you keep your books in order during the year, filling in the online form shouldn't take you any more than an hour or so.

[Mark Sadler]

I do it myself Paul.  It's daunting the first time you do it, but after that you get used to it.  As long as you keep your books in order during the year, filling in the online form shouldn't take you any more than an hour or so.

My advice to you paul is DO NOT do it yourself. My accountant got me a £6000 tax rebate this year for losses I made in 06-07 from a previous business. My accountant applied for an (Election under S381 ICTA 1988 for trade losses incurred) If i had done my accounts myself I wouldnt have even known this election thing even existed and probably 90% of Carpet cleaners on here dont even know this existed either.

So what im trying to say is, an accountant knows a hell of lot more about tax returns than you and I will ever know.

Look at it this way, your not going to ask a traditional window cleaner to clean you brilliant white pure wool rug twist.

[M.Acorn]

Get an accountant ! i give mine a box with my entire years paperwork in it ,it costs me £285 pr/yr which is a business expense so i don`t pay as such 

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

Must agree that an accountant is a must and as Derek says will usually save you their fees in tax you don't have to pay.

There are financial incentives for doing it on line, but a reputable accountant will pass that saving on back to you.

It's always worth having an accountant on your side if HMRC ever come calling. Who are they more likely to believe, you or your accountant?

Derek

Who said you can never make money out of an accountant. Who do you think cleans my accountant's carpets?

[Robert Watson]

I thought an accountant had to sign it off.
Would not be without one,
takes away a lot of stress if accounts are not your thing, it sure ain't mine.

Rab.

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

Rab

Accountant not needed if sole trader or partnership. Limited companies and partnerships (LLP) do.

[M.Acorn]

I have heard though that if the accountant makes a mistake,it`s not them that gets fined but u ! bloody government ! the reason i hand everything over is so i don`t have to worry about it,and i know that my accountant made a mistake on the year before ! in their favour though !