With the new tax year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get organised.
If your 2025/26 personal tax is on your radar, taking a few simple steps now can save you a lot of time, stress and last-minute pressure later on.
A little organisation goes a long way when it comes to preparing your tax return. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started:
- Get your documents together
Start pulling together everything you’re likely to need, including:
- P60s
- Interest statements
- Pension contribution records
- Rental income figures
- Dividend summaries
Having everything in one place early helps avoid the last-minute rush when it’s time to file.
2. Log income and expenses while it’s fresh
If you haven’t already kept on top of this throughout the year, now is a good time to start pulling it together.
Even a quick review of your income and expenses can help you spot any gaps and make sure nothing is missed before you submit your return.
3. Review what’s changed since last year
Think about whether anything has changed in your circumstances, such as:
- Starting a new job
- Receiving new benefits
- Buying or renting out a property
- Earning income from a side business or investments
Making sure everything is up to date before 5th April can make the process much smoother.
4. Check your allowances and reliefs
It’s worth reviewing whether you’re making the most of any available tax reliefs and allowances, such as:
- Gift Aid
- Pension contributions
- Trading allowance
- Property allowance
Claiming these correctly can make a difference to your final tax position.
5. File as soon as you’re ready
Once you have everything in order, don’t leave it until the last minute.
Filing early gives you clarity on what you owe, or what you might be due back, and helps you avoid the January rush.
A little preparation today goes a long way
Personal tax doesn’t have to be stressful. A bit of forward planning now can make the whole process much more manageable and give you confidence that everything is in hand. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always easier to deal with it sooner rather than rushing when deadlines are close.