Author: Phillips & Co Accountants, Chester
Date: 17 September, 2025
AI tools can speed up your Self Assessment prep—sorting receipts, explaining jargon and drafting checklists. But generic tools can also misapply UK rules and miss reliefs. Here’s how to use AI safely—and where a qualified review saves you money and stress.
Quick takeaway
Use AI to organise. Let a human finalise. You’ll file on time, avoid mistakes, and keep more of what you earn.
Good uses of AI
Admin help: reminders, to-do lists, basic record-keeping tips
Jargon buster: plain-English explanations of forms and timelines
First-pass categorising: grouping expenses before you review them
Where you need an accountant
Trading allowance vs actual expenses (which gives you the better outcome)
Payments on account: reduce, keep, or reclaim—without triggering interest
Directors: salary/dividend mix, benefits in kind, P11D/PAYE interactions
Landlords: repairs vs improvements, mortgage interest credit, allowable costs
Capital gains: losses, reliefs, and timing
Residency/split-year & foreign income: treaty relief, exchange rates, reporting
Common pitfalls we correct
Claiming the £1,000 trading allowance when actual expenses are higher
Overlooking use of home, mileage or software subscriptions
Missing student loan and child benefit (HICBC) impacts
Misjudging payments on account and creating interest charges
Data hygiene when using AI
Don’t paste private IDs or full bank details into public tools
Keep a local copy of your prompts/outputs for your records
Cross-check anything AI produces against HMRC guidance (we can point you to the right pages)
How we help (Accountants Chester)
Since 2012 we’ve helped Chester businesses keep more, stress less.
Sanity check & file: we review your figures, fix risks, and submit on time
Reliefs maximised: we make sure you claim what you’re entitled to
Clear plan: what’s due, when, and how to avoid surprises next year
Fixed fees, plain English
Ready for a quick review before you file?
Call/WhatsApp today on: 01244 220 062
If you’d like expert guidance, contact Phillips & Co Accountants Chester today.
Keep More, Stress Less
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for general guidance only. It does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always seek tailored advice from a qualified accountant regarding your specific circumstances.