The quick comparison
| DIY on GOV.UK | Tax software | Accountant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Usually a fixed fee (TaxGo: £79 per return) | Varies widely — get quotes |
| Your time | Highest | Low to medium | Lowest |
| Tax knowledge needed | High | Low to medium | None |
| Advice and planning | None | Limited | Yes |
| Deals with HMRC for you | No | Usually no | Usually yes (as your agent) |
| Best for | Simple returns, confident filers | Straightforward returns, people who want it done quickly | Complex affairs, businesses, people who want advice |
Prices for software and accountants change — check current prices with any provider you're considering.
Doing it yourself on GOV.UK
HMRC's online service is free. If your affairs are simple and you're comfortable with the questions, it's a perfectly good option. The downsides: you enter every figure manually, interpret the questions yourself, and there's no check that you've claimed everything you can.
Using tax software
Software guides you through the return in plain English and does the calculations. Good software checks for common mistakes and missing information.
TaxGo is document-first: you upload what you have — P60, dividend vouchers, bank interest, CIS or rental statements — and TaxGo reads them, asks only what's missing, and calculates your tax with structured UK tax rules. Every figure shows its source, you review everything before approving, and it's £79 per return, paid when your return is ready.
Using an accountant
An accountant is the right choice if:
- You have complex income — foreign income, trusts, complex capital gains, residence questions.
- You run a larger business or need year-round bookkeeping and advice.
- You want tax planning, not just a return.
- You want someone to deal with HMRC on your behalf, including enquiries.
Ask for a fixed quote, check they're a member of a professional body (such as ICAEW, ACCA, CIOT or ATT), and confirm what's included.
Questions to ask before you choose
- How complex is my return? Employment, dividends, savings, simple self-employment and simple rental income are usually fine for software. Foreign income, trusts or complex gains usually aren't.
- What's the total cost? Check whether the price covers submission, amendments and support, or whether extras cost more.
- Who's responsible if something's wrong? You're always responsible for your own return, whichever option you choose. Software helps you get it right; an accountant may also offer advice.
- When do I pay? Some services charge up front. TaxGo charges £79 only when your return is complete and ready to approve.
- Can I see where each number came from? Being able to trace figures back to your P60 or statements makes the final check much easier.
If you're still unsure, start with the free checks: see whether you need to file at all, and estimate your bill with the tax calculator.
When TaxGo isn't the right fit
We'd rather tell you now. TaxGo doesn't currently support cryptocurrency, complex foreign income, trusts, estates, complex capital gains or complex residence cases. If your return needs any of these, TaxGo will tell you before you pay and an accountant is likely a better choice. See what we support.