Publication date: 06.02.2026
My name is Irina Sidorova and I am a lawyer based in London. I have over 18 years of experience in law and prior to moving to the UK I specialized in litigation, corporate support, contract analysis and drafting, and commercial legal support. My expertise includes a detailed analysis of legislative changes and their effective application to protect clients' interests. Thanks to my strategic approach, knowledge of the law and practical experience, I help to avoid legal risks and achieve stability in legal matters.
The process of obtaining tax advice for individuals in the United Kingdom has its own specifics depending on the type of income, residency status, and taxation form. A resident of the UK may have different tax obligations depending on their sources of income, employment status, and whether they receive social benefits. Individuals are not always required to consult a tax advisor if their income is simple and easy to declare. However, in cases of self-employment, foreign income, or complex tax situations, tax advice becomes necessary to correctly fulfill tax obligations and avoid penalties. In practice, having a National Insurance Number is essential for taxation purposes, employment, and interactions with government bodies, including Jobcentre.
Question
How does tax advice work for individuals?
Answer
If an individual seeks tax advice, the specialist reviews income sources, types of expenses, residency status, and potential tax reliefs. The consultation includes:
- Analysis of income and expenses to correctly determine tax obligations;
- Explanation of tax return filing rules (self-assessment) and HMRC forms;
- Determination of whether the individual is subject to corporation tax as a sole trader or business owner;
- Recommendations on collecting the necessary documents and income evidence;
- Assistance with properly completing tax forms and registration with HMRC if not already done.
- For individuals who are not required to file mandatory returns or have simple income, the consultation may be limited to basic advice on tax payments and record-keeping.
Important documents to have on hand
- For an effective consultation, it is recommended to have:
- Passport or other identification documents;
- Tax documents from previous years and income statements;
- Bank statements and expense confirmations;
- Documents for foreign income, if applicable;
- Residency documents confirming legal status in the UK;
- Information on any benefits or social benefits received.
- Residents of the United Kingdom should ensure their documents comply with HMRC requirements, especially if they have foreign income or self-employment income.
Question
What should be done in case of doubts or problems with tax obligations?
Answer
If an individual identifies errors in previous tax returns or is unsure about the accuracy of calculated taxes, it is necessary to:
- Contact a tax advisor or HMRC directly;
- Provide all necessary documents for income and expense verification;
- Clarify residency status and potential tax reliefs;
- Keep personal records of all correspondence and communications with tax authorities;
- Appeal HMRC decisions through official procedures if needed.
Timely tax advice helps avoid penalties, audits, and mistakes in tax returns, and ensures legal compliance and transparency in financial activities.
Important to know
Tax advice is critically important for individuals in the United Kingdom, especially for those who are self-employed, earn foreign income, or receive social benefits. Lack of consultation or incorrect completion of documents may lead to fines, delays in tax refunds, or disputes with HMRC. Regularly updating information and monitoring the accuracy of tax returns helps individuals maintain financial stability and avoid issues with employers and government authorities, including matters related to employment history recorded with HMRC and Jobcentre.
Tax advice for individuals establishes discipline in interactions with HMRC, helps avoid mistakes and delays, and increases trust from employers and partners. Consultations with a tax lawyer or tax specialist help correctly prepare documents, ensure compliance with all regulations, and avoid potential problems with tax authorities both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
