Tips to use self-assessment software for accountants

Team Nomi

Sep 02, 2026
6 minutes read

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Managing Self Assessment tax returns for multiple clients can become difficult as filing deadlines approach. The right self assessment software for accountants can help practices collect client information, manage workloads, review returns, and submit them efficiently.

With the 31 October 2026 paper filing deadline approaching, accountants should review their workflows and make sure every client is on track. Online Self Assessment returns for the 2025/26 tax year are generally due by 31 January 2027.

Nomi brings client information, tax returns, tasks, and submissions together in one platform, helping accountants reduce manual work and manage the Self Assessment process more efficiently.

What is Self Assessment software?

Self Assessment software is designed to help accountants and tax professionals prepare, review, and submit tax returns electronically. Depending on the software, it can also support client data collection, tax calculations, document management, task tracking and direct HMRC submissions.

For accounting practices, the main benefit is having a structured workflow for managing multiple client returns.

7 Tips for using Self Assessment Software

The right Self Assessment software can help accountants manage multiple tax returns, reduce manual work and stay on top of filing deadlines. From collecting client information to reviewing returns, the right tools can simplify the entire process.

1. Choose HMRC-recognised Self Assessment software

When comparing the best self assessment software, check whether it meets HMRC requirements and supports the tax returns you need. 

Look for:

• • HMRC recognition
  • Supported tax return forms
  • Direct HMRC submission
  • Tax calculations
  • Data import options
  • Regular software updates
  • Secure document management
  • Multi-client support

2. Collect client information digitally

Chasing clients for documents can delay tax return preparation. Self assessment tax return software with digital questionnaires and secure document sharing can make information collection easier.

You can collect details such as

• • Employment and pension income
  • Self-employment and property income
  • Investments and capital gains
  • Business expenses
  • Other taxable income
  • Supporting documents

Nomi provides digital tax questionnaires that clients can complete online, reducing repeated email exchanges.

3. Use HMRC data integration

Manual data entry can take considerable time when managing multiple clients. HMRC data integration can help import relevant information directly into the software, reducing duplicate entry and potential errors.

Nomi supports HMRC API data downloads, including employment and pension information, helping accountants prepare returns more efficiently.

4. Control Self Assessment workflows from one place

Managing Self Assessment involves more than preparing tax calculations. Accountants also need to track tasks, documents, client queries, and deadlines.

Nomi’s task and staff management tools help practices assign work, track progress, and manage deadlines from one platform.

5. Keep client documents and communication organised

Managing documents and client communication across emails and separate folders can make tax season harder to control. 

Look for software with:

• • Secure document sharing
  • Digital questionnaires
  • eSignatures
  • Client notifications
  • Mobile or portal access
  • Centralised document storage

Nomi helps clients provide information, receive notifications, eSign returns and stay updated through its client tools.

6. Review returns before submission

Automation can speed up tax return preparation, but every return should still be reviewed before submission.

Check:

• • Client details
  • Income and expenses
  • Tax reliefs
  • Capital gains
  • Payments on account
  • Supplementary pages
  • Supporting information

Nomi allows accountants to prepare, review and validate Self Assessment returns before submitting them to HMRC.

7. Track deadlines and outstanding returns

Good deadline management is essential during tax season. For 2025/26 returns, accountants should track the 31 October 2026 paper filing deadline and 31 January 2027 online filing deadline.

A central dashboard can help identify:

• • Missing client information
  • Returns awaiting review
  • Returns awaiting approval
  • Returns ready for submission
  • Completed returns
  • Outstanding tasks

Nomi provides visibility of client progress, staff tasks and deadlines, helping practices manage Self Assessment work from one central platform.

Why Use Nomi for Self Assessment?

For practices managing a large number of tax returns, choosing the right self assessment software for accountants can make a significant difference to day-to-day workflow.

Nomi brings client data collection, HMRC data integration, tax preparation, task management, document sharing and submission into one platform.

Import client data from HMRC

Nomi can import relevant client information through HMRC APIs, helping reduce manual data entry and make tax return preparation more efficient.

Manage tasks and deadlines

Assign work to team members, monitor progress and keep track of outstanding client returns from one dashboard.

Collect information in bulk

Digital tax questionnaires allow clients to provide the information needed for their returns online, reducing the need for repeated email follow-ups.

Keep clients connected

Nomi’s mobile application supports notifications, document sharing and eSignatures, helping accountants and clients stay connected during tax season.

Prepare and submit returns

Nomi supports a range of Self Assessment and partnership tax return forms and allows accountants to review, validate and submit returns through the platform.

Manage more of the workflow in one system

Rather than switching between spreadsheets, email, document storage and tax software, accountants can manage key parts of the Self Assessment process through one platform.

For practices looking to control Self Assessment software workflows more effectively, this can provide greater visibility over client work and upcoming deadlines.

Conclusion

The right self assessment tax return software can help accountants organise client information, automate repetitive tasks, manage workflows and submit returns more efficiently.

For the 2025/26 tax year, the 31 October 2026 paper filing deadline is an important date to prepare for, while most online returns and tax payments are due by 31 January 2027.

By combining digital client data collection, HMRC integration, workflow management and return review, accountants can create a more organised process and reduce last-minute pressure.

Nomi brings these functions together in one platform for UK accountants and bookkeepers, helping practices manage Self Assessment work from client information collection through to submission.

Try out Nomi’s free trial now and witness the transformation of your workflow, time saving and provision of excellent service to clients.

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