Updated 30 September 2026. This guide replaces our earlier tax-year checklists.

The end of the tax year is a useful time to review your savings, pension contributions and plans for your family. Start with what you can afford and when you will need your money. A tax allowance is an opportunity to consider, not a reason to commit money you may need for everyday spending or emergencies.

These five checks can help you prepare for a conversation with your adviser. Allow time for providers to process payments before the tax year ends on 5 April, and check the rules for the year in which you are acting.

1. Review your ISA contributions

Check how much you have paid into ISAs during the tax year and whether further saving fits your plans. Cash and investments serve different needs: think about access, your time horizon and the risk you can accept before choosing an account.

ISA interest, investment income and capital gains are generally free of UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Unused annual subscription allowance cannot normally be carried forward. Check the current ISA rules on GOV.UK or read about our ISA advice.

2. Check your pension contributions and tax relief

Gather statements showing contributions from you and your employer. Before paying more, check the tax-relief limits that apply to you, your available annual allowance and whether you can afford to leave the money in a pension until you can access it.

How tax relief is received depends on your pension arrangement and circumstances; some people need to claim additional relief. Do not assume that an allowance quoted in an older article applies to you. See HMRC’s pension tax-relief guidance and speak to our team about retirement planning.

3. Consider the purpose of savings for children

A Junior ISA may be worth considering for a child’s long-term savings. Check eligibility, the current subscription limit and when the child will be able to access the money. Discuss the purpose of the savings and whether cash or investments are appropriate.

Keep your own financial security in view when making gifts. GOV.UK explains how Junior ISAs work.

4. Review gains before selling investments

If you are considering selling investments outside an ISA or pension, gather purchase records, disposal details and information about losses. Capital Gains Tax depends on the asset, any available exemptions or reliefs and your circumstances.

Check the current Capital Gains Tax rules before acting. Tax should be considered alongside investment risk and your wider plan; selling solely to use an allowance may not be suitable. Your accountant or tax adviser can help with calculations and reporting.

5. Keep records of gifts and review your estate plans

Record gifts you have made, including the date, recipient and amount. Different Inheritance Tax exemptions have different conditions, so a gift is not automatically free of tax simply because it was made during your lifetime.

Review what you can comfortably give without compromising your future needs. Read HMRC’s guidance on gifts and explore our estate and inheritance planning services.

Bring the checks together

Parker Kelly provides financial planning from Liverpool and West Kirby, with remote meetings available. We can help you consider how saving, investing and retirement decisions fit together, working alongside your accountant where needed. We do not prepare accounts or tax returns. Contact the team to arrange an initial conversation.

This is general information, not personal financial or tax advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and rules can change. Investments can fall as well as rise in value, and you may get back less than you invest.