When you become a client we use a small set of standard forms. These help us set up your records correctly, speak to HMRC on your behalf and make sure we have all the information needed to advise you properly.
The forms below cover some of the most common situations for Britons working abroad, including authorising an agent, registering for Self Assessment, and telling HMRC you are leaving the UK.
What this document is
Our Terms of Business set out how we work with you as your tax agent. They explain what you can expect from us, what we need from you, how our fees work and how your information is handled.
What you need to do
Read the document carefully and sign page 5 to confirm that you agree to these terms.
What this form is
The Confidential Fact Find is a one page questionnaire we use to gather key personal and financial details before we start work on your tax position. It gives us a complete picture of your circumstances in one place.
Why it matters
This form allows us to check your overall position and ensures nothing important is missed when we prepare your returns or advise on residence and overseas work.
What this form is
Form 64-8 tells HMRC that you authorise us to act as your tax agent. It allows HMRC to discuss your affairs with us and to send us information about your tax records.
Why it matters
Without this form HMRC will only deal with you directly. Once it is processed, we can speak to HMRC on your behalf, view your records and resolve most issues more quickly.
What this form is
Form SA1 is used to register you for Self Assessment if you are not already in the system. HMRC uses it to create your record and issue your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
Why it matters
If you need a tax return but are not yet registered, HMRC cannot issue one or accept online returns until they have this form.
What this form is
Form P85 is used when you leave the UK and either may not be coming back or are going to work abroad full time for at least one complete tax year. It helps HMRC decide if you are due a tax refund and how your future income should be taxed.
Why it matters
Completed correctly, P85 helps HMRC treat your departure correctly under the Statutory Residence Test and ensures any overpaid UK tax is repaid.
What this form is
SA109 is a Self Assessment supplementary page used to report residence status, split year treatment and relevant foreign income or gains information. It is submitted with a Self Assessment tax return rather than used as a standalone client form.
Why it matters
If you are non-resident, claiming split year treatment, or need to explain your residence position to HMRC, SA109 helps show how your UK tax position should be treated. It can be especially important when leaving or returning to the UK, working abroad, or applying the Statutory Residence Test.
If you are unsure which forms you need or what information to include, our team can guide you through the process and make sure everything is completed correctly.
These are some of the most common questions we are asked by clients who pay tax overseas or have income from more than one country. If you are unsure how the rules apply to you, these answers will help clarify your position.
Send us your details and we will guide you to the right next step.
That depends on your current tax position. If you are leaving the UK and want HMRC to review your tax position or consider a refund, P85 may be relevant. If you already complete a Self Assessment tax return, you may instead need to report your residence position through the relevant residence pages. If you are unsure which route applies, it is worth checking before submitting anything.
It depends on whether you already complete Self Assessment and what needs to be reported. P85 is commonly used when someone leaves the UK and wants HMRC to review their tax position or any repayment due. SA109 is used as part of a Self Assessment tax return to report residence status and related information. In some cases, the right answer is not one or the other in isolation, it depends on how your affairs are already being reported.
Usually, no. SA1 is generally used to register for Self Assessment if you are not already set up in the system. If you already have a UTR, the issue is more likely to be whether your Self Assessment record is active and whether HMRC still expects a return from you.
We will tell you the correct authorisation route for your case. Depending on the tax involved, this may be done through form 64-8 or through HMRC’s online authorisation process. Once the authorisation is in place, we can deal with HMRC on your behalf in relation to the taxes covered.
Yes. We can help you understand which forms may apply, what information is needed, and how the form fits into your wider tax position. The aim is not just to complete paperwork, but to make sure it supports the correct treatment of your circumstances.
It helps to have your personal details, National Insurance number, UTR if you have one, current and previous addresses, relevant dates of departure or overseas work, details of your UK and overseas income, and any HMRC correspondence you have received. Depending on the form, you may also need travel details, employment information, and records that help explain your residence position.