by

Should Security Freelancers Do Their Own Taxes or Hire an Accountant?

Filing a tax return as a self-employed security operator in UK is part of the deal — but should you go it alone or get professional help?

Here’s how to decide what’s best for you.

🧾 What Does an Accountant Actually Do?

A qualified accountant can help you with:

  • Self-assessment tax returns (SA100 + SA103)
  • Expense categorisation and claims
  • VAT registration and returns
  • Year-end summaries
  • Advice on allowable expenses, pensions, and more

They can also help prevent fines, late fees, and HMRC stress — especially if your finances are messy or complex.

💼 Can You File Your Own Tax Return?

Yes. HMRC allows sole traders and limited companies to file their own returns using:

  • The online HMRC system
  • Accounting software that supports self-assessment (like QuickBooks or Zoho)

You’ll need to:

  • Keep accurate records of income and expenses
  • Submit your return by 31 January (sole trader) or 31 December (Ltd company)
  • Pay any tax and National Insurance due

It’s 100% legal and common to go DIY, especially if your finances are simple.

👤 Option 1: Do It Yourself

Many self-employed security workers file their own tax return via HMRC’s Self Assessment portal. It’s free and straightforward, that is if your finances are simple.

✅ Best for:

  • Part-time self-employed
  • You have a single income source or few clients
  • Minimal expenses and track them cleanly (e.g. via Zoho or Wave)
  • Confident with numbers and filing online with HMRC

💡 Tip: Use tools like FreeAgent or QuickBooks to track income, expenses, and mileage year-round.

👔 Option 2: Hire an Accountant

If your business is growing, things get more complex:

  • Multiple income streams
  • VAT registration
  • Staff or subcontractors
  • Big deductible expenses

An accountant can:

  • Save you time
  • Maximise deductions
  • Help avoid costly mistakes
  • Represent you if HMRC asks questions

💷 Typical cost:

  • £150–£300/year for self-assessment only
  • £400–£800/year for full bookkeeping + returns
  • Higher if you’re VAT-registered or have employees

You can often pay monthly, and many accountants now work entirely online.

✅ What Most Self-Employed Security Do

Many UK self-employed individuals in the security industry:

  • Start out doing taxes themselves
  • Eventually hire an accountant as income or complexity grows

This hybrid approach works well — know when to switch.

🧑‍💻 Tools That Help Either Way

Even if you hire an accountant, tools can make your life easier:

📌 Final Thoughts

You don’t legally need an accountant, but depending on your income and confidence, they can save you time, stress, and even money.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but every freelancer needs a system.

If you have relatively simple finances, you can likely do it yourself with the right software. But once things grow, a professional can keep you safe and help you scale.

Start by understanding your obligations, use the right tools, and bring in an accountant when the time is right.

👉 Read our guide: What records should freelancers keep for tax?


Want More Guidance?

Visit the Self-Employed & Small Business Security Resources UK Homepage


Security Business Resources