Self Assessment Countdown: Day 8 - Understanding Your Tax Calculation
With eight days remaining until the Self Assessment deadline, it's crucial to understand and verify your tax calculation. A thorough review ensures accuracy and helps avoid both overpayment and potential penalties.
Essential Elements of Your Tax Calculation
Income Sources
Your tax calculation should accurately reflect all income streams, including:
- Employment income and benefits
- Self-employed business profits
- Property rental income
- Investment and dividend income
- Pension income
Tax Allowances
Ensure all applicable allowances are correctly applied:
- Personal Allowance
- Trading Allowance
- Property Allowance
- Marriage Allowance
Understanding Tax Bands
Your income is taxed at different rates depending on which tax band it falls into:
- Basic rate (20%)
- Higher rate (40%)
- Additional rate (45%)
National Insurance Contributions
For self-employed individuals, verify both:
- Class 2 NICs (flat rate)
- Class 4 NICs (percentage-based)
Payments on Account
Understanding payments on account is essential:
- Whether they apply to your situation
- How they're calculated
- When they're due
Common Areas to Check
Key areas where errors frequently occur include:
- Incorrect tax codes
- Missing allowances
- Duplicate income entries
- Miscalculated expenses
Need Professional Support?
If you're unsure about any aspect of your tax calculation, our Gravesend-based team at MCC Partners can help. We provide expert guidance to ensure your tax return is accurate and optimised. Contact us at 01474 619 990 or email