Tax return season doesn't need to be a January panic.
If the words "Self Assessment" make you want to shut your laptop and pretend you didn't see them, you're not alone.
But getting your information organised early can make the whole process much easier.
Whether you're self-employed, a company director, a landlord or someone with other income to report, here's what you may need.
1. Your personal information
Start with:
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
National Insurance number
Current address and personal details
Details of relevant tax code changes
Previous tax return information, where needed
Not everyone needs to submit a Self Assessment return just because they have multiple types of income. Check your filing obligations first.
2. Employment income
If you've been employed during the tax year, gather the relevant P60s and P45s.
If you've received taxable employment benefits, you may also need information from a P11D or your payroll records.
This helps make sure you're reporting the right income and tax already deducted.
3. Self-employed income
If you're a sole trader, collect:
Business sales and other trading income
Invoices and records of customer payments
Business expense records
Bank and payment platform statements
Stock information where relevant
Details of equipment purchases
Information on business use of personal assets
Make sure you're using the correct accounting basis and don't confuse turnover with profit.
4. Limited company dividends
If you receive dividends from a limited company, gather your dividend vouchers and payment records.
Remember that company dividends and director salaries are different forms of income.
You'll also need to consider dividends received from other investments where relevant.
5. Property income
If you receive rental income, gather:
Rent received
Letting agent statements
Repair and maintenance costs
Insurance
Relevant professional fees
Mortgage interest and finance cost information
Other property-related expenses
Property finance costs are not always deductible in the same way as ordinary business expenses.
6. Other income and reliefs
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need information about:
Bank interest
Investment dividends
Capital gains
Foreign income
Pension contributions
Gift Aid donations
Student loan repayments
Child Benefit and relevant income information
Not every section applies to everyone.
7. Check your tax payments
Find out whether you've already made payments on account or other payments towards your tax bill.
This matters because the amount you've paid previously may affect what remains outstanding.
And don't confuse the tax calculation with the amount due on the next payment date.
8. Know your deadlines
For the 2025/26 tax year, the normal online Self Assessment filing and balancing payment deadline is 31 January 2027.
If payments on account apply, a further payment is normally due by 31 July.
Don't assume your return can be prepared instantly at the end of January, especially if records are missing.
Your final checklist
All income information collected
Business expenses reviewed
Bank statements checked
Salary and dividend information ready
Property income reviewed
Other taxable income identified
Pension and relief information supplied
Previous payments on account checked
Tax return reviewed before submission
Want us to take care of it?
At Accounting On You, we prepare Self Assessment tax returns and help clients understand what they owe and when.
Less January chaos. More knowing where you stand.
Visit www.accountingonyou.com to explore our services.
This checklist is a general guide and may not cover every disclosure required by an individual tax return.