HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILE A SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN?
Sending your return to HMRC is free if you can use HMRC's own online service. Software costs from about £15 to over £100 a year, and an accountant costs more. DTax Filer lets you prepare your return free and submit it from £14.50, including the SA109 for non-residents, who can't use HMRC's service.
Your options and what they cost
| How you file | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| HMRC's online service | Free | Not available to everyone (see below) |
| Paper return by post | Free, plus postage | Due by 31 October, three months before online returns |
| HMRC-recognised software | About £15 to over £100 a year | Needed if you can't use HMRC's service; see the prices below |
| An accountant | Quoted per client | They prepare the return for you; usually the most expensive option |
When HMRC's free service is enough
If HMRC's online service covers your return and you are happy using it, you don't need to pay anyone.
GOV.UK says you can't use HMRC's online service:
- for a partnership
- for a trust or an estate
- if you lived abroad as a non-resident
- to report multiple "chargeable event gains"
- if you get income from a trust, you're a Lloyd's underwriter or a religious minister
In those cases GOV.UK says to use commercial software or a paper form instead. If you're non-resident, DTax Filer files the SA109 online. DTax Filer is listed by HMRC for individual returns only, not partnership or trust returns.
What DTax Filer costs
| Plan | Price per tax return | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | £0 | Prepare your return and see your tax calculated. No submission to HMRC |
| Standard | £14.50 | Online Submission to HMRC |
| Standard Plus | £19.50 | Download Tax Return PDF; Online Submission to HMRC |
| Assisted | £60 | Download Tax Return PDF; Online Submission to HMRC; Review of your return by a qualified tax advisor; Technical support to resolve validation Issues; Chat Support |
Every plan covers the SA100 and the supplementary pages HMRC lists DTax Filer for, from employment and self-employment to property, foreign income and the SA109. You pay per tax return, and amending a return you've sent is included. See the full plan comparison.
What other software costs
On 15 October 2026, other HMRC-recognised providers published prices from about £18 to £114 for one individual return, and up to about £130 with the SA109 for non-residents. Some cover several returns for one price, and some charge by tax year rather than per return. See the provider-by-provider comparison.
Every provider on HMRC's list of recognised software can file to HMRC. The differences are the price, which supplementary pages each one covers, and whether help from a tax adviser is available.
Other costs to plan for
- The tax itself. Filing is separate from paying. Any tax you owe for 2025–26 is due by 31 January 2027.
- Late filing penalties. £100 the day after the deadline, even if you owe nothing, then more from 3 months late. HMRC's penalties, and what to do if you're late.
- Not needing a return at all. If you're not sure you have to file, check on GOV.UK before paying for anything.
Questions
Is it free to file a Self Assessment tax return?
HMRC doesn't charge you to send a return, and its own online service costs nothing. You only pay if you choose software or an accountant, or if you can't use HMRC's service, for example because you are non-resident.
How much does tax return software cost?
On 15 October 2026, software from HMRC-recognised providers ranged from about £15 to over £100 for a year's return, depending on the provider and what is included. DTax Filer costs £14.50 per tax return to submit, and preparing your return is free.
How much does an accountant charge for a tax return?
Accountants set their own fees, usually as a fixed price quoted after they see your income and records. They cost more than software, and in return they prepare the return for you. Ask for a written quote.
Can I use HMRC's free service if I live abroad?
No. GOV.UK says you can't use HMRC's online service if you lived abroad as a non-resident. You need software that supports the SA109, a paper return, or a tax professional.
Do I pay DTax Filer if I don't submit my return?
No. Preparing your return and seeing your tax calculated is free. You pay when you choose a plan to submit it to HMRC.
Is there a cost for filing late?
Yes, HMRC's penalties: £100 straight after the 31 January deadline, even if you owe no tax, rising from 3 months late. Filing on time costs nothing extra.