It’s that time again where a different type of new year begins. One that may not be marked by fireworks or a big ball dropping in Times Square, but one that is just as important (or at least we think so). The end of the tax year.
If you’re yet to do a final review of your finances, there’s no need to worry. We’ve put together a quick checklist to help make your tax year end run a little smoother. And if you’re looking for more tailored guidance, it’s always worth speaking to a financial adviser.
Important tax year end deadlines
As the deadline approaches, it’s worth checking whether you’ve made the most of the allowances available to you. Some can be carried forward, but many operate strictly on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis.
- Pension contributions: Most people can contribute up to £60,000 into their pension each tax year and receive tax relief, although high earners may be affected by the tapered annual allowance.[1] Unlike ISAs, unused pension allowance can be carried forward for up to three previous tax years, provided you have a pension in place for those years.
- Capital gains tax (CGT): The annual CGT exemption of £3,000 resets on 6 April.[2] If you are considering selling investments or other assets, reviewing your gains ahead of the deadline can help you manage your overall tax exposure.
- Dividend allowance: The dividend allowance remains at £500 for the 2025–26 tax year.[3] If you receive dividends from investments or a business, it may be worth checking whether your income exceeds the allowance and plan accordingly.
- Gifting: You can gift up to £3,000 each tax year without this forming part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. This allowance can be carried forward for one year if unused.
