Our Tax Year-End Guide helps you understand the key opportunities available before the 5 April 2026 deadline, while also highlighting the wider financial planning considerations that are worth reviewing as part of a structured approach.
It is designed to help you take a step back, check what applies to you, and ensure your plans remain aligned with your wider goals.
Stress-test your Financial Plans
Before the 5 April 2026 Deadline
Time is ticking. Stress-test your financial plans ahead of the Tax Year-End deadline and make use of all possible allowances and tax relief. With rules around inheritance tax and pensions changing in 2027, it’s a wise move to review your estate plans at the same time.
Smart tax planning can make a considerable difference to your bottom line.
The Essential Guide
Key Areas to Review
Pensions
Consider increasing pension contributions to utilise the annual allowance fully, including carrying forward unused allowances from the previous three years. Spread large pension withdrawals over multiple years to minimise income tax.
ISAs
Maximise the annual ISA allowance of £20,000 per individual (£40,000 for a couple). You can contribute up to £9,000 per child/grandchild into Junior ISAs. Please note thought that only a parent or legal guardian can set up a Junior ISA.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Use the reduced CGT exemption (£3,000) before tax year-end. CGT can be quite complex, and it's easy to pay unnecessarily, or potentially fined for not paying on time.
Income Management
High earners can reduce taxable income by increasing pension contributions or making charitable donations, potentially retaining personal allowances and benefits like Child Benefit.
Estate Planning
Consider gifting up to £3,000 annually to reduce the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
Business Owners
Opt for dividend income instead of salary to utilise the £500 tax-free dividend allowance and reduce NICs.
Seek expert advice well in advance of the 5th April deadline
Make tax year-end planning one less thing to worry about.
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.
Tax Year-End Webinar, 12 February 2026
Join our upcoming webinar, Ready for Tax Year-End?, hosted by Iain McLeod with expert insights from Niki Patel and Claire Trott. Gain practical guidance on tax planning, allowances and year-end opportunities — register here.