Frequently Asked Questions

HMRC usually posts your UTR within 10 working days of registering, or up to 21 days if you're based overseas.

After that, you'll receive a separate activation code for your online HMRC account, which can take a few more days.

Because you need your UTR before we can file on your behalf, it's worth registering as early as possible — ideally well before the October registration deadline.

If your UTR is taking longer than expected, you can call HMRC's Self Assessment helpline to follow up.

A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number that HMRC uses to identify you in the Self Assessment system. You get one when you register, and it stays the same for the rest of your life.

You need your UTR to:

• File your Self Assessment return
• Contact HMRC about your tax affairs
• Appoint an accountant to act on your behalf

To register and get a UTR, go to GOV.UK and search 'register for Self Assessment'. Once registered, HMRC sends your UTR by post within about 10 working days.

It depends on why you're registering.

Use the CWF1 form if you're self-employed as a sole trader — this also registers you for Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance at the same time.

Use the SA1 form if you need to file for other reasons, such as rental income, Capital Gains Tax, the High Income Child Benefit Charge, or dividend income.

If you're registering online via the HMRC website, the system asks a few questions and routes you to the right form automatically.

If you're unsure, message us on live chat.

Yes. If you're self-employed, you can download and post form CWF1. If you have other untaxed income (rental, dividends, capital gains), use form SA1 instead. Both are available on GOV.UK.

That said, the online route through the HMRC website is faster and means you'll get your UTR more quickly.

If you're not sure which form applies to you, message us on live chat.

Several costs can be deducted from your gain, reducing the amount of CGT you pay. They fall into three categories.

Selling costs: estate agent fees, solicitor fees, and any costs directly related to the sale.

Buying costs: the original purchase price, solicitor and surveyor fees, and Stamp Duty Land Tax paid at purchase.

Improvement costs: the cost of capital improvements made to the property during your ownership — things like extensions, loft conversions, new kitchens or bathrooms that added value.

What you can't deduct: general maintenance and repairs (fixing a boiler, repainting, replacing like-for-like fittings), mortgage interest, or insurance costs.

The formula is: sale proceeds, minus allowable selling costs, minus original purchase price and buying costs, minus capital improvements.

Each of these deductions is applied as part of our CGT filing service — you don't need to calculate anything yourself. Just share the relevant receipts and documents and we'll handle the rest.

Yes. Estate agent fees are one of the allowable costs you can deduct when calculating your capital gain, which directly reduces the amount of tax you owe.

Here's what you can deduct from the sale price:

• Estate agent or auctioneer fees
• Solicitor or conveyancer fees on the sale
• Any advertising costs related to the sale

You can also deduct costs from the original purchase:

• The price you paid for the property
• Solicitor and surveyor fees at the time of purchase
• Stamp Duty Land Tax paid when you bought it
• The cost of any capital improvements made during your ownership, such as an extension or loft conversion

General maintenance and repairs don't count as improvements and can't be deducted.

Getting these deductions right can make a significant difference to your bill. If you're unsure what qualifies, message us on live chat.

Yes. Non-UK residents are required to report the sale of UK residential property to HMRC within 60 days of completion, regardless of whether any tax is owed.

This applies even if you made a loss or the gain is fully covered by Private Residence Relief. The reporting obligation still stands.

Non-residents may also be subject to Non-Resident Capital Gains Tax (NRCGT), which has applied to UK residential property sales since April 2015. The tax calculation for non-residents can be more complex, particularly around the rebasing rules that apply to property owned before April 2015.

We handle non-resident CGT returns regularly. Message us on live chat and we'll confirm what applies to your situation, or book a call with us if you'd prefer to talk it through.

Our CGT filing options are priced based on the number of owners on the property title.

Solo (£299): for a single owner. Covers the full gain calculation, all applicable reliefs, and filing with HMRC within the 60-day window.

Joint (£449): for two owners selling together — typically a couple, but also applies to friends or investors who co-own a property. We calculate and file for both owners in one service.

Trio (£598): for three owners on the same title — common with inherited properties where siblings jointly own the estate. Covers all three owners in one filing.

All options include the full gain calculation, relief checks (including Private Residence Relief and Lettings Relief where applicable), and submission to HMRC.

Not sure which applies to you? Check the property title or message us on live chat.