Your tax return starts long before January.
One of the biggest mistakes self-employed people make is waiting until the tax year ends before looking at their numbers.
You might be earning decent money, but if you're not tracking expenses or putting money aside, that January tax bill can be a nasty surprise.
Here's how to stay organised throughout the year.
Every week - Keep your records up to date
Set aside a little time to check what's coming in and going out.
Record sales and income.
Upload receipts and invoices.
Categorise business spending.
Check payments from Stripe, PayPal or other platforms.
Keep business and personal transactions clearly identified.
Ten minutes regularly can save hours of sorting later.
Every month - Review your profit
Your bank balance doesn't tell you how much profit you've made.
You need to consider income, allowable expenses and, depending on your accounting method, unpaid invoices and other adjustments.
Check whether your business is making the money you expected.
Look at the costs increasing each month and whether you're actually keeping enough of what you earn.
Every month - Put money aside for tax
Your tax liability can depend on business profits and other personal income.
Instead of guessing, use your bookkeeping figures to make a sensible provision.
Remember that Self Assessment payments on account may mean paying towards a future year's tax bill as well.
Every quarter - Check your VAT position
If you're not VAT registered, keep an eye on your rolling 12-month taxable turnover.
VAT registration isn't simply based on how much money you've made since April.
If your business grows quickly, you could exceed the registration threshold earlier than expected.
Check your Making Tax Digital obligations
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax began its phased introduction in April 2026.
Depending on your qualifying income and the applicable start date, you may need digital records, compatible software and quarterly updates.
Don't leave this until the first submission deadline.
Review your expenses
Ask yourself:
Have I recorded all genuine business costs?
Have I accidentally included personal spending?
Have I kept the supporting receipts?
Have I correctly recorded business mileage?
Have I reviewed home-working costs?
Have I accounted for marketplace and payment processing fees?
A good expense review is about accuracy, not claiming absolutely everything.
Before the tax year ends
Review your estimated profit, tax provisions and any planned business expenditure.
If you're considering a significant purchase, pension contribution or change in business structure, speak to your accountant first.
The timing and tax treatment may matter.
After 5 April
Prepare your annual accounts or business figures using the relevant accounting method.
Make sure any remaining queries are cleared and provide your accountant with the necessary information.
Your ongoing checklist
Bookkeeping updated regularly
Business expenses reviewed
Receipts saved
Profit monitored
Tax provision reviewed
VAT turnover checked
MTD obligations considered
Annual information ready
How AOY helps
We provide bookkeeping and tax support for self-employed people who want more than just someone filing a return once a year.
Our ongoing financial information can help clients understand their profits and plan ahead for tax.
Because the aim isn't just to file your return. It's to know where your business stands.
Explore our services at www.accountingonyou.com.
General guidance for UK sole traders. The relevant obligations depend on the nature and size of your business.