Do I need an accountant if I am self-employed?
If you are a self-employed individual in the UK, you may be wondering whether or not you need an accountant. The truth is that having an accountant can be incredibly helpful in many cases, but it is not necessary for all self-employed individuals. The amount of help you need from an accountant will depend on your own circumstances and how much you know about taxes and finances.
When you become self-employed, there are certain amounts of taxes that you need to pay to HMRC. These include income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). As such, an accountant may be able to help you to manage your tax affairs better and ensure that you are paying the correct amount. An accountant may also be able to provide advice on other financial issues, such as investment advice, pension planning and more.
What taxes do self-employed people pay?
Are you curious about which taxes self-employed individuals need to pay? Well, just like employees of a business, self-employed people need to pay income tax, as well as National Insurance contributions. The main difference here with self-employed people is that their taxes are not taken automatically through the PAYE system. So instead of an employer collecting the taxes for you, a self-employed individual will need to calculate the amount owed themselves. They will then need to file a Self Assessment tax return.
A personal allowance is the amount of money that a person can earn before you need to pay income tax on your earnings. For self-employed individuals for the 2022/2023 tax year, this amount is £12,570.

Need assistance finding accounting services near you?
Get a QuoteIs it worth getting an accountant for self-assessment?
When it comes to completing a self-assessment tax return, it is often worth considering whether or not you should employ an accountant. An accountant will be able to ensure that your tax return is filled in correctly, which can prevent any potential fines or problems down the line. Additionally, an accountant will also be able to help you to make the most of the allowances available to you, ensuring that you don’t overpay your taxes.
Is it worth paying for an accountant?
In many cases, it is worth paying for an accountant to ensure that your taxes are managed correctly and that your finances are in order. Accountants may also be able to offer advice on other financial matters, such as investments and pensions. However, it is important to note that accountants can be expensive, and you should make sure that the cost of hiring an accountant is worth it in the long run.
When should you get an accountant?
When it comes to deciding when to hire an accountant, it is important to consider your own individual circumstances. If you have experience with tax, then you may be able to manage your own affairs without needing to hire an accountant. However, if you feel like you would benefit from an expert’s advice, then you may wish to consider hiring an accountant. Additionally, if you are starting a business, then it is often beneficial to get assistance from an accountant to ensure that your business is managed correctly from the start.
In conclusion, hiring an accountant when you are self-employed can be a great way to ensure that your taxes and finances are managed properly. However, it is important to consider your own individual circumstances before deciding whether hiring an accountant is worth the cost.
In this article: