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.

No longer. Since the October 2024 Budget, CGT rates were aligned across all asset types.

For 2025/26 the rates are 18% (basic rate) and 24% (higher rate) for property, shares, crypto, and other assets.

Previously, gains on shares attracted lower rates of 10% and 20%. This change means the tax treatment is now the same regardless of what you're selling.

Your CGT rate depends on your total income for the year, including the gain itself.

First, work out your total taxable income (salary, self-employment, rental, dividends) and subtract your Personal Allowance (£12,570 for most people). What's left is your taxable income.

Any remaining space in your basic-rate band (up to £37,700 of taxable income) gets taxed at 18%. Any gain that pushes you above that threshold is taxed at 24%.

For example: if your taxable income is £20,000 and you make a gain of £30,000, the first £17,700 of the gain falls in the basic-rate band at 18%, and the rest is taxed at 24%.

We calculate this precisely for every client.

For 2025/26, the CGT rates are:

• 18% on gains that fall within your basic-rate income tax band
• 24% on gains above it

These rates apply to all asset types including property, shares, and crypto — the previously lower rates for shares (10% and 20%) were aligned with property rates in the October 2024 Budget.

To work out your rate: add your total taxable gain to your total income for the year. The portion of the gain that falls within your remaining basic-rate band (up to £37,700 for most people) is taxed at 18%. Anything above that is taxed at 24%.

For 2025/26, the Annual Exempt Amount is £3,000 per person.

You can make gains up to this amount across all your assets in the tax year without paying any CGT.

If you own assets jointly, each person gets their own £3,000 allowance — so a couple selling a property together effectively has a combined £6,000 exempt amount.

Gains above the threshold are taxed at 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher rate).

The allowance has fallen significantly in recent years (it was £12,300 in 2022/23), so even modest gains can now result in a tax liability.