Self Assessment

Self Assessment Tax Return Services in Braintree, Maldon & Shoreditch

Is your next tax return looming? Our dedicated tax team prepares and files hundreds of Self Assessment returns every year for individuals, landlords and directors across Essex and further afield. We’ll make the process simple, accurate and stress‑free – and we’ll keep you one step ahead of Making Tax Digital.

Offices: Braintree • Maldon • Shoreditch (London)
Call: 01376 326266 (Braintree) • 01621 852191 (Maldon) • 020 7148 0872 (London)
Email: info@lambert-chapman.co.uk

Who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return?

You’ll usually need to file if you receive income that isn’t fully taxed at source. Common examples include:

• Company directors (e.g. to declare dividends).
• Sole traders and partners (to report trading profits and National Insurance).
• Landlords with UK or overseas rental income.
• Individuals with investment income (interest, dividends, crypto, capital gains).
• Those with foreign income, or who need to claim certain reliefs/allowances.

If you’re unsure, send us a note and we’ll confirm what HMRC expects in your situation. Alternatively, check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return – GOV.UK 

How we help:

• Fully managed return – we prepare, check and file your return through HMRC’s secure gateway.
• Clear tax advice – what’s due, when it’s due, and how to optimise your position.
• Payment on account review – avoid overpaying; reduce where appropriate.
• Compliance monitoring – we watch your HMRC statements and PAYE codes.
• HMRC enquiry support – representation to minimise stress and costs.
• Fixed‑fee quotes – transparent pricing before we start.

We file hundreds of returns every year. You’ll benefit from specialist software, robust review processes and a team that lives and breathes personal tax.

We have included some frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.

Making Tax Digital (MTD): what’s changing and when

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) will require many sole traders and landlords to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC via compliant software.

Key dates (current plan):

• From April 2026: mandated for individuals with qualifying income over £50,000 (self‑employment and/or property).
• From April 2027: mandated for those with qualifying income over £30,000.
• Below £30,000: not mandated yet; HMRC has indicated further staged expansion.

What this means for you

• Keep digital records in compatible software (we can recommend options).
• Submit quarterly updates and a year‑end final declaration.
• Align processes (rent statements, expenses capture, mileage, bank feeds) so quarterly reporting is smooth and low‑effort.

Our MTD‑ready service

• Software selection and set‑up (including app‑based receipt capture).
• Quarterly submissions are prepared and reviewed by our tax team.
• Year‑end adjustments and final declaration.
• Ongoing advice to minimise tax and avoid penalties.

Have questions about whether and when you’re in scope? We’ll assess your position and map out the right timeline.

Our Self Assessment process

1. Discovery call – understand your income sources and deadlines.
2. Evidence checklist – tailored to your situation (bank interest, dividends, rent, pensions, crypto, etc.).
3. Preparation & review – returns drafted, queries resolved, reliefs optimised.
4. e‑Filing – secure online submission and confirmation.
5. Aftercare – statements checked, payments on account reviewed, and reminders for next year/quarter.

Self Assessment deadlines & penalties (at a glance):

• Paper returns: typically due 31 October following the tax year.
• Online returns & balancing payment: 31 January.
• Payments on account: normally 31 January and 31 July.
• Penalties and interest can apply for missed deadlines or underpayments – our monitoring helps you avoid surprises.

Why choose Lambert Chapman to help with your next tax return?

• Local and accessible – meet us at our offices in Braintree, Maldon or Shoreditch, or we can travel to your location or even meet remotely.
• Experienced – Self Assessment expertise across employment, property and investment cases.
• Proactive – tax‑saving ideas, not just form‑filling.
• Personal – a named adviser who knows your situation.

➡️ Get a tailored quote

Tell us a little about your income sources and we’ll send a fixed‑fee quote:

• Name and contact details
• Your status (director, sole trader, landlord, investor)
• Income sources and complexity (e.g. properties, overseas income)
• Any deadlines approaching

Call 01376 326266 or use the contact form – we’ll reply promptly.

Self assessment – frequently asked questions:

When is the deadline for online Self Assessment returns?

The deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year.

Do landlords have to file Self Assessment returns?

Yes. Rental income isn’t taxed at source, so it must be declared via Self Assessment.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax?

From April 2026, many self‑employed people and landlords must keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC.

Will you handle HMRC correspondence for me?

Yes. We’ll monitor your HMRC account, advise on payments, and we can represent you in case of enquiries.

Do you offer fixed fees?

Absolutely – you’ll receive a clear quote before we start.