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Template · Client

Tax Return Document Reminder Email Template

The reminder that gets returns done in October instead of the last week of January.

Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 27 September 2026

Quick answer

A tax return document reminder should name the filing deadline, list the specific documents for that client's income types, and give a records deadline months earlier. Remindoo sends these to every self assessment client automatically, then chases only those who have not responded.

Who is this sent to, and when?

Sent to
Self assessment clients ahead of the filing deadline.
When to send it
Shortly after the tax year ends, repeated through the autumn.

Why send tax return reminders so early?

Because the work is the same in May as it is in January, but the stress and the error rate are not.

Firms that send their first request in April and chase monthly clear most returns before Christmas. The clients who leave everything to January are a known group — flag them and start earlier with them specifically.

How should the list be tailored?

By income type: employment, self-employment, property, dividends, interest, capital gains and pensions.

A generic list makes clients hunt for things they do not have and forget things they do. Tag clients by income type and send the list that matches, so the request is short and complete.

Preview the template

Tax Return Document Reminder Email Template

Subject: Your [tax year] tax return — documents needed by [date]

Hello [Client first name],

It is time to get your [tax year] self assessment return underway. The filing deadline is [filing deadline], but we ask for records by [records deadline] so there is time to review everything properly and let you know what you owe well in advance.

Based on last year, we will need:

[Employment: P60,

Preview shows the opening and key sections. The full editable file is free to download below.

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Send this from Remindoo

Save it once in Remindoo and send it from there. Store the wording as an email template, then use tokens so client names, company numbers and dates fill in automatically. Send it to one client or to a filtered group with bulk client emails. For requests that repeat, pair it with automated reminders and a recurring task so it goes out every period without anyone remembering.

What are the common mistakes?

  • Waiting until autumn to send the first request
  • One generic list for every income type
  • Not asking what changed this year
  • Only quoting the January deadline
  • No follow-up schedule
“Companies House integration onboards clients in minutes; AML scoring keeps us compliant.”
Nabeel Qureshi, Director, Taxaccoelga Chartered Accountants

Frequently asked questions

When is the self assessment deadline?

Online filing is normally 31 January following the end of the tax year. Check GOV.UK for the dates and any changes that apply.

How early should we start?

As soon as the tax year ends. Firms that request in April finish most returns before December.

Should reminders be different for late clients?

Yes. Start earlier with habitual late clients and chase them more often.

Does this change under MTD?

In-scope clients also have quarterly updates and a final declaration, so they need a quarterly records routine as well.

Can I send these in bulk?

Yes. Personalised bulk emails let you contact every self assessment client at once with their own details filled in.

Does Remindoo file the return?

No. Remindoo handles the chasing, deadlines and workflow; filing happens in your tax software.

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Sources

Last updated 27 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.

Why a single client record matters

When client details, deadlines, documents and conversations are spread across inboxes and spreadsheets, time goes on searching instead of on client work.

One version of the truth

Everyone sees the same services, contacts, deadlines and notes for each client.

Accurate deadlines

Companies House sync brings in company details and filing dates, reducing manual errors.

Better client service

A full timeline means anyone can answer a client question with the history in front of them.

Secure document sharing

A client portal is safer than sending financial documents as email attachments.

Practical tips from UK practice

  • Import companies from Companies House rather than typing details by hand.
  • Record every service a client takes, so recurring work is created automatically.
  • Add a short note after every important client call.
  • Ask clients to upload documents through the portal rather than by email.

Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT, Chartered Accountant with 18+ years in practice. Founder and MD of Accotax, an ICAEW, ACCA and AAT regulated London practice that has served over 5,000 clients, and founder of Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.

What UK practices say about Remindoo

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“With Remindoo, everything from the first enquiry to onboarding and ongoing client management is tracked in one place… It saves us hours and gives me, as a practice owner, complete visibility of where the firm stands.”
Shaz Israr
“The biggest benefit is having clients, tasks, deadlines, workflows, proposals and communication all organised in one place.”
Taxaccolega Chartered Accountants
“During my trial, the team were absolutely amazing. They helped onboard my clients, set up my settings and made sure everything was ready for me to use… they made the whole process completely stress-free.”
Afia Begum
“It brings client information, tasks, recurring deadlines, workflows and reminders together in one place, giving us much better visibility across the team.”
Premier Books Consultancy Ltd

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