Should UK Freelancers Do Their Own Taxes or Hire an Accountant?
Filing a tax return as a UK freelancer is part of the deal — but should you go it alone or get professional help?
Here’s how to decide what’s best for you.
👤 Option 1: Do It Yourself
Many freelancers file their own tax return via HMRC’s Self Assessment portal. It’s free and straightforward — if your finances are simple.
✅ Best for:
- Part-time freelancers
- Few clients
- Minimal expenses
- Confident with numbers
💡 Tip: Use tools like FreeAgent or QuickBooks to track income, expenses, and mileage year-round.
👔 Option 2: Hire an Accountant
If your business is growing, things get more complex:
- Multiple income streams
- VAT registration
- Staff or subcontractors
- Big deductible expenses
An accountant can:
- Save you time
- Maximise deductions
- Help avoid costly mistakes
- Represent you if HMRC asks questions
💷 Typical cost: £250–£600/year
Often worth it for peace of mind — and may even save you money in the long run.
What Most Freelancers Do
Many UK freelancers:
- Start out doing taxes themselves
- Eventually hire an accountant as income or complexity grows
This hybrid approach works well — know when to switch.
Tools That Help Either Way
Even if you hire an accountant, tools can make your life easier:
- QuickBooks for tracking
- FreeAgent for freelancer-friendly dashboards
- Starling for clean business banking
📥 Already overwhelmed? Start with our Freelancer Toolkit
📌 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but every freelancer needs a system.
Start by understanding your obligations, use the right tools, and bring in an accountant when the time is right.
👉 Read our guide: What records should freelancers keep for tax?