Use this before a discussion
Organise the relevant information first
The records needed depend on your income sources and the transactions you have made. This guide is an organising tool, not a statement that every item applies to every person or that an item is deductible. When in doubt, retain the evidence and ask before excluding it.
Checklist
Records to bring together
- 01
Identity and HMRC information
Keep your Unique Taxpayer Reference, National Insurance number, prior tax-return information, HMRC notices and any payment or correspondence records together.
- 02
Income records
Collect records for self-employment, employment, dividends, rental income, pensions, savings, investments or other income sources that apply to your circumstances.
- 03
Bank and payment evidence
Bank statements, payment-platform exports and receipts often help reconcile income and expenditure. Preserve the underlying evidence rather than relying only on a summary.
- 04
Business or professional expenses
Keep invoices, receipts and a clear record of the business purpose for costs you intend to discuss. The tax treatment depends on the facts.
- 05
Property income and costs
For landlords, organise rental statements, managing-agent records, financing information, repair invoices and any documents relating to property transactions.
- 06
Investment, disposal and pension information
Keep contract notes, statements, disposal records, pension-contribution evidence and other documents that may affect the return or related calculations.
- 07
A short question list
Write down changes since the last tax year, missing documents, deadlines and any transactions you are unsure about. This makes the first conversation more efficient.
Practical notes
Points to keep in view
- Do not alter or discard source records simply because a summary has been prepared.
- A receipt alone does not establish tax treatment. The purpose and circumstances of the cost can matter.
- If you are filing for the first time, have not filed recently, or are close to a deadline, raise this at the start of the conversation.
Related support
Continue from the checklist
Next step