February: Tax Year End is Looming

This article is all about helping you finish the year with clarity and confidence, and without overwhelm.

1. Check Your Pension Contributions

One of the simplest ways to benefit before the tax year ends is by reviewing pension contributions.

• Additional contributions made before 5 April could increase your tax relief for the year.
• Even a small extra payment can have long-term impact.
• If you’re self-employed, it’s a good time to check how contributions affect your tax bill.

A conversation with a financial adviser or your pension provider can clarify what’s possible.

2. Make the Most of ISA Allowances

Did you use your ISA allowance for the current tax year?

• For the 2025/26 tax year, you can put up to £20,000 into your ISA(s) — cash, stocks & shares, or innovative finance.
• Any unused allowance cannot be carried forward, so acting before 5 April is essential.

Even small contributions can add up over time and give you a head start on your savings or investments.

3. Review Tax-Efficient Options

If you have investments or other taxable income:

• Check whether you’re maximising your capital gains and dividend allowances
• Consider any tax-efficient gifts or charitable contributions you might make
• Keep documentation organised to avoid last-minute stress

The key to efficiency here is taking small steps, not engaging in complicated strategies. Even simple actions can make a big difference over time.

4. Review your Income and Expenses (both in your personal spending and – if applicable – your business)

Take a quick snapshot of your year:

• Are there overlooked deductions or expenses you can claim?
• Do you need to make any catch-up payments on tax, pension, or student loans?
• Have you checked your emergency fund to make sure you’re ready for the months ahead?

A brief financial check-in now can prevent unpleasant surprises later.

5. Don’t Overcomplicate Things

The year-end can feel like a mad rush — but the overall goal is making progress rather than creating perfection.

Focus on:

• One or two actions you can actually complete
• Being aware of your available allowances
• Achieving clarity on what needs planning for next year

Even small wins now reduce stress and give you a confident start to the new financial year.

6. Look Ahead

Once 5 April passes, the new financial year begins — a fresh opportunity to:

• Set realistic savings goals
• Review budgeting habits
• Plan contributions and investments strategically
• Go through this checklist from the BEGINNING of the financial year rather than at the end – and avoid a last-minute panic in 2027

Finishing the old year with clarity makes starting the new one much easier.

Just one final thought

The financial year-end doesn’t need to be daunting.  By taking a few small, intentional steps now, you can:

• Maximise allowances
• Avoid last-minute stress
• Set yourself up for a confident start in April

Even just checking what’s possible and taking one single action could make a meaningful difference.

If you’d like help turning your goals into a clear, realistic plan, that’s exactly what financial planning is for.

I’m happy to have a no-obligation initial chat to help you create your goal. Please get in touch when you’d like to make a start!

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

An investment in equities and shares will not provide the security of capital associated with a deposit account with a bank or building society. However, please bear in mind that over the long-term inflation will erode the purchasing power of your capital.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

Cash and Innovative finance ISAs are not available through St. James's Place.

Although the content of the article was correct at the time of writing, the accuracy of the information should not be relied upon, as it may have been subject to subsequent tax, legislative or event changes.