If this was your situation in 2025, you were not alone, HM Revenue and Customs reported that 3.4 million taxpayers hadn’t submitted their return going into deadline week.

The hassle of last-minute filing may have made you rethink and to get it all done earlier for January 2026 and beyond. And with a little bit of simple planning, your tax return can be a lot less strain.

We spoke with Anna Pazera who is one of the Accountants at Kaizen with responsibility for self – assessment tax returns. She had five tips she shared with us to make the whole process a lot simpler and ensure your claim can be processed more easily and accurately.

Tip 1. Review what worked and what didn’t this year and in previous years.

Did you struggle to locate all the paperwork and records such as receipts? Did you understand the various tax rules? If you address these challenges now rather than waiting a year you will be in a better position with your return next time. Make a list of things you must do, such as better record-keeping or seeking professional advice from a company like Kaizen (see later for how to get in touch).

Tip 2. Organise your financial records

Updating your financial records regularly can help to eliminate last-minute strain. Look at doing the following:

• Move to digital receipt and invoice copies. There are apps and software you can use to scan and store paperwork. These programs can even categorise expenses automatically, saving you time. Or simply take photos of any receipts/invoices on the go using your mobile phone.
• Reconcile information monthly. This ensures that your bank statements and your financial records match, avoiding missing something out.
• Create a tax file. This can be digital or hard copy. Store documents like business expenses, income records, and correspondence with HMRC.

Tip 3. Understand the rules on tax allowances and deductions

Tax rules do change, so it helps to stay up to date. Learn about and get advice from ourselves on the allowable expenses, reliefs, and deductions that are relevant to you and your business. Things like home office costs and equipment or professional subscriptions can be offset.

Tip 4. Use appropriate accounting software

This can simplify your tax preparation work and improve its accuracy. Most software apps will integrate directly with your bank accounts and track your income and expenses. Contact us for advice on the most appropriate accounting software for your business.

Tip 5. Set up a savings account

A large, unexpected tax bill can cause a lot of cashflow difficulty, especially if it has to be paid by a specific date. To avoid this, you can set aside money to pay your tax and open a dedicated savings account to hold it. Some online bank accounts let you set up separate pots just for this purpose.

These tips can help you turn filing your tax return from a worrying task into a much easier and manageable one. By adopting a new system now, being organised, and making use of IT you’ll reduce stress and free up time to focus on growing your business.

If you would like any advice on how to keep your tax records and what you can claim or you want advice and training on using accounting software, please get in touch. If you need help call us on 01482 772261 or email info@kaizengroup.uk. We will be very happy to help you with any query you may have or come and see you for a free initial consultation.

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