Your Pre-Tax Season Checklist: Get Ahead Before the Rush
August might feel like the quiet before the storm. The summer holidays are still in full swing, and tax season feels far enough away to ignore. But the truth is, September signals the start of the busiest time of year for small business finances.
Getting organised now means you can glide into autumn feeling calm and in control, instead of stressed and scrambling.
Here’s your pre-tax season checklist to help you get ahead.
Organise Your Records
If your receipts, invoices, and bank statements are scattered across emails, apps, and desk drawers, now’s the time to pull them together.
Whether you use a digital system like Xero, QuickBooks, or even a spreadsheet, make sure everything is up to date.
Quick win: Spend 30 minutes a week uploading receipts and matching transactions. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Review Your Income and Expenses
Take a mid-year look at your profit and loss. Are you on track to meet your goals? Have any costs crept up without you noticing? This review will also help spot tax-deductible expenses you may have missed.
Tip: A bookkeeper can do this for you and flag areas where you could save.
3. Set Aside Your Tax Money
It’s never too early to start putting money aside for your tax bill. If you wait until January, you’ll have fewer months to spread the cost; and more chance of a cash flow crunch.
Rule of thumb: For self-employed income, set aside 20–30% of each payment you receive.
4. Check Your MTD Compliance
If you’re VAT-registered, you should already be following Making Tax Digital rules. Not sure? Check that you’re:
Using MTD-compliant software
Submitting VAT returns digitally
Keeping digital records
And for sole traders: MTD for Income Tax is coming in April 2026. Getting into good habits now will make life much easier later.
5. Book in With Your Bookkeeper Early
As we head into September, accountants and bookkeepers start filling their calendars fast.
Booking early means:
You secure your preferred timeslot
You avoid last-minute rush fees
You get more support when you need it
The Bottom Line
August is the perfect month to get ahead.
A little organisation now will save you hours, and a lot of stress, later. Come September, you’ll be ready to focus on filing your tax return early, keeping your cash flow healthy, and entering the new year with confidence.
Need a hand getting your books ready for tax season?
We can help you organise your records, review your finances, and prepare for a smooth Self Assessment.
Contact us today — your future self will thank you.
