If you're self-employed, a landlord or have income outside PAYE, you probably need to file a Self Assessment tax return. From April 2026, many sole traders and landlords also need to follow Making Tax Digital. Meridian Accountants handles both, so your returns are right, on time and claim everything you're entitled to.
We're ICAEW regulated Chartered Accountants based in Southampton, working with individuals across Southampton, Romsey, Winchester, the New Forest, Totton and surrounding areas.
Who we help
- Sole traders and freelancers, including those just starting out
- Landlords with one property or a portfolio
- Company directors who need a personal tax return
- Higher earners, including anyone affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge or losing their personal allowance
- Anyone with other income, such as savings, dividends, foreign income or capital gains
What's included
- Your Self Assessment tax return prepared and filed online
- A check of your allowable expenses and reliefs, so you don't pay more tax than you need to
- A clear explanation of what you owe and when, including payments on account
- Registration with HMRC if you're new to Self Assessment
- Making Tax Digital: choosing software, signing you up, and sending your quarterly updates and year-end return for you
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Making Tax Digital (MTD) applies to sole traders and landlords whose combined income from self-employment and property, before expenses, is over:
| From | Income over |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | £50,000 |
| April 2027 | £30,000 |
| April 2028 | £20,000 |
If MTD applies to you, you keep digital records and send HMRC a short update every quarter, then file a tax return at the end of the year. Our guide to Making Tax Digital explains it in full.
Key dates
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Register for Self Assessment | By 5 October after the tax year you start |
| Online tax return and balancing payment | 31 January after the end of the tax year |
| Second payment on account | 31 July |
| MTD quarterly updates | 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?
Usually yes if you're self-employed with income over £1,000, receive rental income, are a company director taking dividends, or have other untaxed income. HMRC's online checker can confirm, or we can tell you in a quick call.
What happens if I miss the 31 January deadline?
HMRC charges a £100 penalty for a late return, even if no tax is owed, with further penalties the longer it's late. Interest is also charged on late tax. If you're behind, get in touch and we'll help you catch up.
Can you help me get ready for Making Tax Digital?
Yes. We can check whether MTD applies to you, help you choose software, sign you up with HMRC and send your quarterly updates for you.
I'm a landlord with a jointly owned property. How does that work?
Each owner normally reports their own share of the rental income and expenses on their own tax return. We can look at how the income is split and whether that's the most tax-efficient arrangement.
Get in touch
Need help with your tax return or Making Tax Digital? Meridian Accountants, Chartered Accountants based in Southampton, works with sole traders, landlords and individuals across Southampton, Romsey, Winchester, the New Forest, Totton and surrounding areas. Get in touch to book a free call.