What Records Does an Accountant Need for Self Assessment?
A practical checklist of income, expense, employment, rental, dividend, pension, and capital gains records to prepare before asking for Self Assessment help.
Last reviewed: 23 June 2026
Start with income records
Your accountant needs a complete picture of taxable income. That can include sole trader sales, employment income, pension income, rental income, dividends, bank interest, foreign income, capital gains, and any benefits in kind.
- Invoices and sales summaries
- P60, P45, P11D, and payslips
- Rental statements and letting agent reports
- Dividend vouchers and savings interest statements
Prepare expense evidence
Expense claims need evidence and a business reason. Bank exports are useful, but receipts, invoices, mileage logs, software subscriptions, insurance documents, and home office calculations may also be needed.
Flag anything unusual
Tell your accountant about asset sales, crypto transactions, overseas income, student loans, child benefit, pension contributions, charitable donations, and previous HMRC letters. These details can change the return materially.