SMEs consider dropping accountants as Self-Assessment deadline approaches

The usual January gloom brings the added stress of tax returns for sole traders and freelancers in the UK.

New research from tax filing platform TaxZap reveals the extent to which self-employed Brits are unsatisfied with their accountants, with 58% thinking of dropping theirs.

This data comes at a time when millions of individuals have yet to file their tax returns, and suggests that strained relationships with accountants may be a key reason for this delay.

Alongside the usual gloom, January brings added stress for freelancers in the UK, with the Self-Assessment tax return deadline now less than 30 days away. But are their accountants helping or hindering?

Why do freelancers want to ditch their accountants?

For years, businesses and freelancers have hired accountants for their expertise in tax laws and financial regulations — helping them to manage their finances effectively, ensure compliance, and ultimately help get their tax returns filed on time.

However, a survey by TaxZap reveals that 58% of self-employed Brits are considering dumping their accountant, while 14% have already done so.

The biggest “ick” reported was high fees, cited by 26% of freelancers. This was followed by confusing forms (15%) and missed deadlines (14%).

Communication issues were also a significant concern, with 14% of respondents describing their accountant as a “terrible communicator”.

Aaron Hickey, CEO of TaxZap, comments: “Self-assessment season is stressful enough for the self-employed, and that’s before you throw in cryptic jargon, slow replies, and invoices that make your eyes water. 

“January is already bleak, no one needs the added thrill of waiting days for their accountant to respond while the deadline inches closer.”

Frustrated freelancers struggle as tax deadlines loom

HMRC has warned that 5.65 million people haven’t yet filed their returns, and TaxZap’s survey suggests that SMEs are left unsatisfied with the help they’re receiving from accountants.

50% of respondents cited time pressure as the biggest challenge for filing tax returns, followed by complex language, uncertainty about what to include, and costs. Plus, 10% of freelancers claim their accountant is “always late” when it comes to filing on time.

Hickey says that these problems have left freelancers being “made to feel out of their depth by accountants armed with nothing but unintelligible language and a raised eyebrow.

“The UK is full of entrepreneurs and freelancers of every age, who should be spending their time earning money, not wrestling with admin.”

Many businesses are still unprepared for MTD

Tax season is stressful enough for business owners and freelancers, but with Making Tax Digital (MTD) set to become mandatory from April 2026, the pressure is mounting even more.

In the last year, there’s been a reported lack of preparation around MTD, as nearly half of sole traders admit that they don’t know about it. And while 71% of small business owners are using accounting software or apps to manage their finances, the same proportion say they still rely on pen and paper or spreadsheets for certain tasks. 

Under MTD, businesses will be required to use a digital system to keep tax records, submit tax data, and make payments. Penalties can occur if these requirements aren’t met, including accuracy penalties if records or submissions are inaccurate and lead to underpaid tax.

For businesses that are considering cutting ties with their accountant, a top accounting software can simplify record-keeping, reduce errors, and help you stay on top of deadlines. This helps make tax management less stressful, and keeps you compliant with MTD rules.

Hickey adds: “Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, freelancer or investor, tech-enabled tools can give you the confidence to manage your own taxes, saving time, money, and a fair bit of sanity.”