Full Time Employment + Sole Trader : Final Tax Bill

Does anyone use easyaccountancy.co.uk ? as I'm looking at hiring an accountant, as after my recent attempts to complete a self-assessment tax return, and at the end of it the final figures equating to 40% of my earnings, one is a little dejected.

The offer a starter service of £30+vat per month, and I wanted to know if this was reasonable, or if teaching myself on how/what to make claims for in order to reduce my turnover costs - this paying less tax according to my actual yearly earning threshold.

Advice please?

Just speak to a few local people who they use for their accountancy then speak to them and get a price, most accountants know how to minimise your overspend on tax.

[TamSV]

+1 to going local. Apart from anything else I've done work for mine. He's also recommended me for work that outstrips what he's charged me.

Learn what you need to know but don't try being a tax expert. Put all your energy into your own business and let the accountant concentrate on his.

Cool, will speak to a local accountant then and see what gives. Thank you both for your advice.

Mine charges £60 + VAT for a self assessment return

PS Hello mister, haven't seen you on here for a while

When I was contracting, I used a company called Giant. They were great at reducing my liabilities - rather embarrassingly so.

[Sir Trev]

When people find out I'm a bean counter they almost always either fall asleep or start asking me about their tax situation. They are always surprised when I admit to knowing nothing about tax. It is a very specialised part of the profession and as the others have already said a sensible tax advisor will usually save you more than their fee.