Finding an Accountant, question and fees

[VTECMatt]

I have never used an accountant before and as I'm new to Self Assessment and currently renting out my home and renting a property to live in due to job relocation. I want to fully understand and ensure that we pay the correct amount of tax. Currently living in the North West part of the Lake District.

When searching for someone local, bare in mind I know very few people since moving how do I know what is a fair hourly rate/fixed fee?

Perhaps someone may be able to answer the below?

My wife is a basic rate tax payer actually she does not pay as under 10K, I’m high rate tax payer, so do we both self assess? Seems unfair we have to pay tax on the rental income based on solely my tax band. The Mortgage is in joint names 50/50 although the funds go directly to my account, we do not have a joint account.

Thanks for your help

Matt

[Eric Mc]

is the property jointly owned?

[VTECMatt]

Yes owned by both of us.

[Eric Mc]

The fact that your Mrs is a joint owner means that she MUST complete a self assessment tax return in order to return her share of the rental profits or losses.

[VTECMatt]

Thank you