Success story
From First-Time Tax Return To Peace Of Mind: A Semi-Retiree’s Calm Start
Reading time: ~4 minutes
A Gentle Start To Going Solo
In January 2024, a 54-year-old from Dudley, West Midlands, came to us for his first tax return. He had been employed all his life. As he eased into semi-retirement, he began taking on small jobs he loved: gardening, painting, decorating and the odd refurb. It kept him active and out of trouble, as he jokes. But the income soon passed the £1,000 trading allowance and later the £12,570 threshold, so a tax return was needed.
The Spark Of A New Routine
He travelled around the West Midlands for a couple of days each week, often near Dudley, Kingswinford and Stourbridge. Some work fell under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). He was happy doing the jobs; it was the admin that worried him. He had never done a tax return, never been self-employed, and now he needed to learn what to keep, when to file and how CIS even worked.
Making Tax Feel Human
Because this was near our office location in Stourbridge, we didn't need to deliver everything remotely. We sat down with him to explain the Construction Industry Scheme in plain English and handled the CIS verification process so he could be paid as a subcontractor. We registered him for UK Self Assessment. We mapped out the UK tax return deadline dates on a simple timeline, and explained self employed record keeping requirements, like saving invoices, receipts and mileage notes. All this so he could enjoy work on his terms.
Where CIS applied, we provided CIS tax return help and checked statements so deductions were recorded correctly. For extra comfort, we walked through what a self assessment tax return example looks like, so nothing felt mysterious.
If you need similar help, explore our tax and accounting services for individuals. For CIS matters, we also provide CIS setup and admin for sole traders and partnerships.
Less Paper, More Peace
From day one, we showed him how to keep tidy records without fuss. A simple folder system. A quick way to capture receipts. A rhythm for noting income. We took care of the Self Assessment, prepared the figures, and filed the return. He focused on the part he enjoys and left tax compliance for new contractors to us.
We also chatted through what changes when you are self-employed after retirement. We explained what does and does not change after state pension age, and the decisions he might face over time. No jargon. No scare stories. Just straight answers.
Life On His Terms
Today we still handle his annual returns. He works fewer CIS jobs now and chooses projects that keep his body and mind active. He spends time with his grandchildren, his wife and his dog. He is relaxed because he knows the rules, and because we keep an eye on the details. He has that rare thing: a calm work-life balance, built by choice.
Ready When You Are
Whether you are self-employed after retirement, testing the water with a few jobs, or juggling CIS for the first time, we can help anywhere in the UK, from Dudley and Stourbridge to London and beyond. Book a chat and let us make your start feel simple.
FAQs on First-Time Self Assessment
When should I do my first tax return?
As soon as you start earning untaxed income that needs reporting, get registered and plan ahead. There are set registration and filing deadlines, so starting early gives you time to gather records and avoid stress.
Can I be self-employed after retirement?
Yes. Many people choose light, flexible work after retiring. You still need to report income and keep records. We can explain what changes after state pension age and how that affects your obligations.
Do I need an accountant for CIS and Self Assessment?
You can file yourself, but CIS can be confusing at first. An adviser can set up your registration, check deductions, and keep your records and return on track, saving you time and reducing errors.