Staying organised for your tax return: Small habits, big results
10 July 2025
At Simon & Co, we regularly see how the lead-up to the tax return deadline becomes unnecessarily stressful for many individuals and business owners. It’s rarely the figures themselves that cause problems – it’s locating the right documents and information in time.
From receipts buried in old inboxes to dividend vouchers stored on outdated devices, missing paperwork is one of the most common obstacles to accurate and timely filing. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to address, with the right habits in place.
Why staying organised matters
Good financial organisation isn’t just about tidiness. It reduces the risk of error, ensures you claim the reliefs and allowances you’re entitled to, and saves both time and cost during the preparation of your return.
Being proactive throughout the year can also improve the quality of advice we’re able to offer. When all relevant information is available and up to date, we can provide clearer, more tailored tax planning recommendations.
Practical steps to implement now
Here are the steps we recommend to clients who want to simplify their self-assessment process and stay prepared year-round:
1. Set up a secure digital storage system
Use a reputable cloud storage provider such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox, and create a dedicated folder for the current tax year (e.g. “2024–25 Tax Return”). This will help keep all your documentation in one accessible, backed-up location.
2. Maintain documentation as you go
Capture key information as and when it arises, including:
- Digital or scanned copies of receipts
- Dividend and rental income statements
- P45s, P60s, or payslips
- Gift Aid donation confirmations
- Invoices for large or capital purchases
Using your phone to photograph receipts and forwarding important emails directly to your storage folder can be a simple but highly effective routine.
3. Record significant financial events
Note down major changes such as property purchases or disposals, new business activities, or changes in employment status. This helps ensure that nothing is overlooked when it’s time to prepare your return.
4. Keep a record of key details and logins
Ensure you have secure access to:
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- National Insurance number
- HMRC login credentials
- Government Gateway details
These are often requested during submission or when accessing HMRC communications.
5. Schedule regular reviews
Add a quarterly calendar reminder to spend a few minutes reviewing your documents folder. This habit helps prevent a last-minute rush and reinforces an organised approach to financial administration.
Don’t forget long-term records
We often see clients miss out on valuable reliefs for capital allowances or investment-related claims, simply because they no longer have the supporting documentation. Retain all invoices, contracts, or proof of payment related to assets or improvements – even if they don’t appear immediately relevant.
Need a hand staying organised for your tax return?
The tax return process doesn’t need to be stressful. With a simple system and consistent habits, you can ensure everything is in place long before the deadline approaches. Saving time, money, and unnecessary worry.
If you’d like help setting up an efficient process for your tax return records, or if you’re unsure what information you should be keeping, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to help make your financial administration easier, clearer, and more efficient – all year round.
