End of the UK Tax Year

As the UK tax year ends on 5 April, a number of valuable allowances reset. If they are not used, they are lost. 

This guide provides a clear, practical checklist of the most common areas to review before the deadline, helping you identify where action may be appropriate and how different decisions fit together.  

It is designed to support informed, coordinated planning rather than last-minute decisions in isolation.  

The checklist walks through the key allowances and planning areas that typically warrant review before the end of the tax year, including: 

• ISA allowances and opportunities to improve long-term tax efficiency 

• Pension contributions, including the use of carry-forward allowances 

• Capital gains tax exemptions and the timing of disposals 

• Marriage allowance and transferable personal allowances 

• Dividend and personal savings allowances 

• Inheritance tax gifting allowances, and record-keeping considerations 

• Charitable donations and Gift Aid 

• Salary sacrifice opportunities, including pensions and other common schemes 

Each section highlights what to review and the broader planning context, helping you understand the trade-offs rather than focusing on tax decisions in isolation.  

This checklist is intended for individuals who want to: 

• Avoid losing allowances that cannot be carried forward 

• Understand which year-end actions may be relevant to their circumstances 

• Take a more joined-up approach to tax planning before 5 April 

• Reduce the risk of rushed or uncoordinated decisions at the end of the tax year 

It is suitable whether your affairs are relatively straightforward or more complex, and is designed to complement, not replace, personalised advice.  

Year-end tax planning is most effective when decisions are made together rather than individually. A short review before the deadline can help you: 

• Confirm which allowances are still available 

• Identify actions that align with your wider financial plan 

• Avoid unnecessary complexity or last-minute errors 

The aim is clarity and structure, not simply using allowances for the sake of it.  

Download “End of the UK Tax Year: Your Checklist (2026 Version)” to review the key areas that may require attention before 5 April and approach the end of the tax year with confidence. 

If you would like support reviewing these areas in the context of your full financial picture, a brief conversation can help bring clarity before the deadline.