TaxCalc Blog

1. Personal information

You’ll need to provide basic personal details such as your name, address and National Insurance (NI) number. This information is necessary to identify you and ensure your return is processed correctly.

Where to find it:

Your National Insurance number can be found on your payslip, P60, tax return from a previous year, or in your personal tax account on the HMRC website.

Check HMRC has your current address on their records before filing your next tax return.

2. Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

Your UTR is a ten-digit number unique to you, which is essential for filing your tax return. It’s required on all correspondence with HMRC regarding your self-assessment.

Where to find it:

You can find your UTR on previous tax returns, HMRC letters, or your online Self Assessment account.

3. Employment income

If you are employed, you’ll need to report your total income and tax paid during the tax year. This includes any salary, bonuses, and benefits-in-kind^*.

Where to find it:

P60: Issued by your employer at the end of each tax year, summarising your income and tax paid.

P45: Provided by your employer when you leave a job, detailing your income and tax paid up to your leaving date.

P11D: If you receive any benefits-in-kind, such as medical insurance or company car, your employer will provide a P11D form detailing these.

4. Self-employment income

If you’re self-employed, you must report your business income and expenses. Accurate records are vital to ensure you declare the correct amounts and claim all allowable expenses.

Where to find it:

Income records: Keep invoices and review bank statements.

Expense records: Maintain a detailed log of all business-related expenses, ensuring you keep receipts and any other relevant documentation.

5. Bank and savings interest

Interest earned on your savings is taxable and must be included in your Self Assessment return.

Where to find it:

Your bank or building society will send you an annual interest statement, usually around April, detailing the interest earned and tax deducted, if any. Alternatively, review your bank statements for the year and note down any interest received.

6. Dividend income

If you own shares in a company or receive dividends from investments, you must report this income.

Where to find it:

Companies or investment platforms usually provide dividend vouchers or annual statements that summarise your dividends for the tax year.

7. Pension contributions

Pension contributions can affect your tax liability, especially if you're claiming tax relief on contributions to personal or stakeholder pensions.

Where to find it:

Your pension provider will issue an annual statement detailing your contributions, and any tax relief claimed. Some employers also provide this information on your payslip.

8. Rental income

If you receive income from renting out property, this needs to be declared. You can deduct certain expenses, such as maintenance and repair costs, to reduce your taxable rental income.

Where to find it:

Keep records of all rental payments received and expenses incurred, such as repairs, insurance, and mortgage interest.

Your letting agent (if you use one) may provide statements periodically that summarise your rental income and expenses.

9. Capital gains

If you’ve sold assets such as property, shares, or other investments, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT). You’ll need to report the details of any disposals and calculate any gain or loss.

Where to find it:

Keep records of the purchase and sale dates, costs involved, and any other expenses related to the acquisition and disposal of the asset.

Investment platforms and brokers often provide annual summaries or transaction histories.

10. Charitable donations

Donations to charity under the Gift Aid scheme can reduce your tax bill. You’ll need to report these contributions to claim the appropriate relief.

Where to find it:

Charities should provide receipts or acknowledgments of donations made, including confirmation that Gift Aid was claimed.

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