Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve answered the most common ones about our services, packages, and how everything works.
General Questions
Everything you need to know about how Sorted works, who we are, and how we make tax simple. From turnaround times to security and support — it’s all here.
Is my data secure and GDPR-compliant?
Yes. We're fully GDPR-compliant and take data security seriously. Your documents are uploaded through a secure portal, your personal information is never shared with third parties without your consent, and we hold and process your data in line with UK data protection law.
If you have a specific question about how your data is handled, you can reach our data protection team at dpo@sorted.tax.
Are your fees fixed, or are there hidden charges?
Yes, completely fixed.
Self Assessment Tax Return: £149 for a Simple Return (UK income including employment, freelance, rental, or dividends) or £199 for an Advanced Return (crypto, foreign income, RSUs, share schemes, or multiple income sources).
CGT on UK Property: £299 for a Solo filing (one owner), £449 for a Joint filing (two owners, such as a couple selling together), or £598 for a Trio filing (three owners). All CGT options include a full gain calculation, relief checks, and filing with HMRC within the 60-day window.
Not sure which tier applies to you? Message us on live chat and we'll confirm before you pay anything.
How do I know which service I need?
Our intake form is designed to guide you to the right service based on your situation. If you're still not sure after completing it, message us on live chat and we'll confirm which service fits before you pay anything.
How long does it take to get my return filed?
Most returns are completed within 3 working days of us receiving all the information we need. If your situation is time-sensitive, let us know via live chat and we'll prioritise it.
Tax Return
Got questions about filing a Self Assessment tax return? Whether you’re self-employed, earning extra income, or just unsure where to start — we’ve got you covered.
How long does it take to get my UTR number?
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.
What's a UTR number and how do I get one?
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.
How do I know which registration form to use?
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.
Can I register for Self Assessment by post instead of online?
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.
CGT
Selling a UK property? Learn what the 60-day Capital Gains Tax rule means, who needs to file, and how Sorted makes the whole process fast, accurate, and fully hands-off.
What do I actually pay Capital Gains Tax on?
Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell or dispose of an asset that has increased in value. The main ones are:
- Residential property that isn't your main home (second homes, buy-to-lets, inherited property)
- Shares and investment funds held outside an ISA
- Cryptocurrency
- Business assets including goodwill
- Personal possessions worth more than £6,000, such as jewellery or art
Assets that are exempt include your main home (in most cases), anything held inside a Stocks and Shares ISA, your car, and UK government bonds (gilts).
The gain is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price and any allowable costs such as legal fees or improvements.
Do I pay Capital Gains Tax when I sell my main home?
Usually not, if it was your main home for the entire time you owned it. Private Residence Relief (PRR) exempts the gain from CGT in that case, and you wouldn't normally need to report the sale to HMRC either.
However, CGT can apply — or PRR can be reduced — in these situations:
- You let the property out at any point during your ownership
- You used part of the property solely for business (not just occasional home working)
- The property wasn't your main home for the entire ownership period
- The garden or grounds are very large (over half a hectare)
In these cases, part of the gain may still be exempt, but you'll need to calculate how much.
If you're unsure whether your sale triggers a reporting requirement, message us on live chat.