How Can You Help Clients Prepare for Self Assessment?

Team Nomi

Jan 20, 2025
8 minutes read

The season for filing self assessment tax returns, which ends on January 31st, can be one of the busiest and most stressful periods for accountants, self-employed individuals, and small business owners. Efficient information sharing is important to minimise errors and reduce last-minute stress.

Educating clients about the self assessment process and its deadlines is essential. Additionally, changing technology, such as accounting software, can simplify tasks and reduce errors.

By maintaining open communication and providing clear resources, you can empower your clients to navigate self assessment confidently. This blog will guide you with tips to help your clients prepare effectively, ensuring a smoother tax season for everyone.

Understanding the Self Assessment Season

In the UK, the self assessment season is a critical time for many people and companies because it is when taxpayers are required to report their income and determine their tax liabilities. This season occurs every year, and the deadline for filing self assessment tax returns is January 31.

To navigate this period successfully, it’s essential to implement effective self assessment tips. Starting early is important to navigating this season successfully. Stress at the last minute can be avoided by gathering records and documents well in advance. 

Additionally, by organising financial data and automating calculations, accounting software helps smooth the process. People can face the self assessment season with confidence if they are proactive and well-prepared. Organising financial data and utilising self assessment software can significantly smooth the process.

What is Self Assessment and Its Importance

Self Assessment is a system HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) uses to collect Income Tax. It allows taxpayers to report their income, expenses, and any tax owed, ensuring they meet their financial responsibilities. 

Self assessment is necessary because it helps to keep the tax system accountable and transparent. By accurately reporting their earnings, individuals contribute to public services and infrastructure. 

Additionally, self assessment software provides an opportunity for taxpayers to claim allowable expenses and reliefs, potentially reducing their overall tax liability.

Being aware of the self assessment tips helps accountants and bookkeepers avoid penalties for late submissions. Small business owners and self-employed individuals need to stay informed about deadlines and requirements to ensure compliance.

Preparing Clients for Self Assessment

Help your clients meet self assessment tax deadlines efficiently with proper preparation, clear communication, and smooth processes.

1. Encouraging Early Preparation

Encouraging clients to begin their self assessment preparations early is essential for a smooth process. Advise them to start gathering necessary documents, such as bank statements, invoices, and receipts, well before the deadline. 

Early preparation helps clients find missing information and fix issues without last-minute stress. Encouraging them to start early leads to a smoother and more organised submission.

2. Setting Clear Expectations and Ground Rules

Setting clear expectations and ground rules is necessary for a successful self assessment experience. Clearly outline the timeline for submissions, including specific deadlines for providing necessary documents and information. 

Explain your role in the process and what you require from clients at each stage. By establishing these guidelines upfront, you help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both you and your clients are aligned on responsibilities.

3. Automating Processes to Reduce Stress

Automation can easily streamline the self assessment procedure and lessen client and accountant stress. Promote the use of accounting software by clients, which may automate tasks like managing invoicing, creating financial reports, and tracking spending. 

Automation minimises manual errors and saves time, allowing clients to focus on their core business activities while ensuring their financial records are accurate and up-to-date.

4. Effective Communication Strategies

Implementing effective communication strategies is essential during the self assessment season. Use various communication channels, like emails, phone calls, or messaging apps, to keep in touch with clients regularly. 

Provide updates on their progress and remind them of any outstanding requirements. Being approachable and responsive to questions helps a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable looking for help when needed.

5. Regular Reminders and Check-ins

Regular reminders and check-ins are essential for keeping clients on track throughout the busy self assessment season. Schedule periodic follow-ups to remind them of upcoming deadlines and check on their progress in gathering necessary information. 

These reminders are beneficial and assist clients in maintaining organisation and dedication to their planning.

6. Managing Resources During the Busy Season

Effectively managing resources during the busy self assessment season is important for both accountants and small business owners. Ensure your team is adequately staffed to handle increased workloads, considering delegating tasks where possible to maintain efficiency. 

For clients, advise them to allocate specific time slots in their schedules dedicated to self assessment tasks. This approach prevents overwhelm and helps both parties handle the busy season smoothly.

Tax Preparation Process

Simplify tax filing with an efficient, step-by-step tax preparation process that ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely submissions.

1. Automate Communication with Clients

Automating communication with clients is essential for a smooth tax preparation process. By implementing tools that streamline interactions, accountants can ensure timely updates and reminders without the manual effort. 

Automated emails can be set up to notify clients about upcoming deadlines, required documents, and important changes in tax regulations. This proactive approach helps clients stay informed and engaged throughout the preparation period.

2. Use Practice Management Software

Practice management software helps accountants and bookkeepers stay organised by managing clients, tasks, and deadlines in one place. It saves time and improves efficiency.

Tips for Reducing Stress During Tax Season

1. Start gathering your financial documents as soon as the tax year ends. 
2. Early preparation helps avoid last-minute rush and reduces anxiety.
3. Keep all receipts, invoices, and bank statements in one place.
4. Create a timeline for completing each task related to your tax return. 
5. Consider using accounting software to automate calculations and track expenses. 
6. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to consult an accountant or tax advisor. 
7. Their expertise can provide clarity and ease your concerns.
8. Remember to take regular breaks during your preparation. Short breaks can help clear your mind and reduce stress levels.

Nomi Self Assessment Software for Accountants

Nomi Self Assessment Software is designed to simplify tax return preparation for accountants and their clients. With features like automated data import, customisable Tax questionnaires, and direct submission to HMRC, Nomi increases efficiency and accuracy. Mobile app for clients can see real-time tax return details.

Its user-friendly interface and time-saving tools help accountants manage self-assessment tasks effectively, ensuring a smoother experience during the busy tax season.

Nomi’s software includes modules for personal tax management, which likely cover various aspects of individual taxation, including student loans. Bookkeeping and VAT software is designed to manage financial transactions, which would include residential finance costs such as mortgage interest and property expenses. By accurately recording these transactions, accountants can ensure proper computation of residential finance costs for their clients. 

Nomi offers a free e-signature feature integrated into its self assessment and partnership tax module. This functionality allows accountants and clients to sign documents electronically, smoothly the approval process and reducing the need for physical paperwork.

Features of Nomi Self Assessment Software

1. User-Friendly Interface: Nomi offers an intuitive design that simplifies navigation, making it easy for accountants to manage client accounts efficiently.
2. Mobile App: Clients receive push notifications for data requests, can E-Sign their tax return, and view tax payment details and deadlines.
3. Automated Processes: Nomi automates many tasks, such as generating reports and tracking expenses, reducing administrative workload.
4. Direct Submission to HMRC: Users can submit tax returns directly to HMRC, smoothing the filing process and ensuring compliance.
5. Customisable Reports: Generate detailed financial reports with just a click, allowing for easy analysis and insights into client finances.

Benefits of Using Nomi for Tax Preparation

1. Time-Saving: Automation of repetitive tasks allows accountants to focus on more strategic activities, improving overall productivity.
2. Increased Accuracy: With real-time data synchronisation, the risk of errors in tax calculations is minimised.
3. Improved Client Service: The software enables accountants to provide timely updates and support to clients, fostering better relationships.
4. Flexible Solutions: Nomi supports various accounting standards and can adapt to different client needs, making it suitable for diverse practices.
5. Cost-Effective: With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, Nomi offers a budget-friendly solution for accountants looking to enhance their services.
6. Bulk email and Email scheduler: Nomi’s Bulk Email and Email Scheduler features smooth communication for accountants by allowing them to send multiple emails at once and schedule messages in advance.

If you are an accountant or business owner, our HMRC-recognised accounting software, Nomi, can significantly increase your tax return preparation process. With features like automated data import and customisable client questionnaires, Nomi streamlines the self assessment process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Get a free demo to view its features and capabilities, or sign up for a 30-day free trial to experience the benefits for yourself.