Self-Assessment & MTD Checklist

Navigate your tax return with total confidence.

Use our step-by-step checklist—created by Chester’s expert accountants—to ensure your submission is accurate, stress-free, and fully HMRC compliant for the current tax year.

To ensure your tax return is processed efficiently, please gather the relevant information below before uploading to your portal. (Please note: Not all sections will apply to your specific circumstances.)

Part 1: Personal & Employment Details

Required for all clients:

UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference): Your 10-digit number from HMRC.

National Insurance Number: Required for accurate tracking.

P60 Form: Your year-end summary of pay and tax from any PAYE employment.

P45 Form: Required if you left a job during the tax year.

P11D Form (Benefits in Kind): Details of non-cash benefits from an employer (e.g., company car, private healthcare).

Child Benefit Details: Required to assess any High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) liability.

Student Loan Details: Confirmation of your current Student Loan or Postgraduate Loan plan type, and any statements showing deductions already made.

Part 2: Income from Self-Employment & Partnerships

For sole traders, freelancers, and business partners:

Cloud Software Access: Ensure our team has active advisor access to your Xero or designated bookkeeping software for MTD compliance.

Business Bank Statements: Complete PDF statements for the full tax year (April 6th – April 5th).

Allowable Business Expenses: A categorized record of all business running costs, equipment purchases, and work-from-home calculations.

Partnership Details: The Partnership UTR and your specific profit allocation (if applicable).

Part 3: Landlord & Property Income

For property investors and accidental landlords:

MTD Software / Digital Records: Access to your property tracking software or digital spreadsheets.

Rental Income: Exact dates and amounts received from all tenants.

Property Expenses: Invoices for repairs, letting agent fees, insurance, and maintenance.

Mortgage Statements: Annual statements showing interest paid (critical for calculating your Section 24 tax relief restrictions).

Part 4: Other Income, Gains & Reliefs

For investments, savings, and distinct tax events:

Savings & Dividends: Certificates for bank interest and dividend vouchers from limited companies.

Capital Gains & Property Sales: Completion statements for any property sold, plus details of shares or assets disposed of for a profit.

Crypto-Assets: Trading reports or exchange exports showing gains/losses from cryptocurrency transactions.

Pension Contributions: Certificates for personal pension payments to ensure you receive your higher-rate tax relief.

Charitable Donations: Records of Gift Aid donations.

Foreign Income: Details of any offshore income, overseas rental properties, or foreign dividends (critical for accurate declaring).