Should I be in Self Assessment?

The notice to complete a tax return is accompanied by a form SAF2 with the above heading. It sets out criteria which, if satisfied, gives a sporting chance of being removed from self assessment altogether. I've successfully had a couple of clients removed so far this year saving them the cost of my preparing a tax return.

What the form doesn't mention is that, once one has successfully met all the criteria, there is a bonus question - "Do you have taxable income in excess of £24,000?". I have one client in that category and even though he is a standard rate taxpayer (and won't ever conceivably be anything else) will be required to complete a tax return every year until he dies. He has two main sources of income - a state pension and an occupational pension.

Does anybody have a tip as to how I can beat the system and prevent the completion of possibly around 20 tax returns all showing a NIL liability?

Tom Egerton