Year-End Tax Planning Calculator (5 April 2026)
Maximise your UK tax savings before 5 April. Calculate pension contributions, ISA allowances, capital loss harvesting, dividend timing, and charity gift aid opportunities.
Year-End Tax Planning — 5 April 2026
Use this planner to identify tax-saving opportunities before the 5 April tax year-end. Each section calculates potential savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UK tax year end?
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. The 2025-26 tax year ends on 5 April 2026. Actions taken after midnight on 5 April count in the 2026-27 tax year — allowances (ISA, pension, CGT annual exemption) cannot be carried forward.
What is the pension annual allowance for 2025-26?
The pension annual allowance is £60,000 (or 100% of your UK earnings if lower). Unused allowance from the previous 3 tax years can be carried forward. Making contributions before 5 April reduces your tax bill for 2025-26 at your marginal rate (20%, 40%, or 45%).
What is the ISA allowance for 2025-26?
The ISA allowance is £20,000 per person for 2025-26. Any unused allowance is lost on 5 April — it cannot be carried forward. Consider topping up Cash ISA, Stocks and Shares ISA, or Innovative Finance ISA before the deadline.
What is the CGT annual exempt amount for 2025-26?
The Capital Gains Tax annual exempt amount is £3,000 for 2025-26. Gains up to £3,000 are free of CGT. Unused allowance cannot be carried forward. Consider realising gains up to the exemption, or realising losses to offset gains.
How does gift aid affect my tax return?
If you are a higher or additional rate taxpayer, gift aid donations attract additional tax relief. For every £1 donated, the charity claims 25p (basic rate). You can reclaim the additional 20-25% via self-assessment, effectively reducing your tax bill.
What is the personal allowance taper trap?
If your income exceeds £100,000, your personal allowance (£12,570) is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000. Between £100,000 and £125,140 you face an effective 60% marginal tax rate. Pension contributions can reduce your income below £100,000 and restore the full allowance.
Can I defer income to next tax year?
If you are self-employed, you may have flexibility to defer invoicing until after 5 April, pushing income into the 2026-27 tax year. Employees have less flexibility, but dividend timing (if you're a company director/shareholder) can be managed. Always consider whether deferral makes sense given future rate changes.
What other year-end actions should I consider?
Other actions include: topping up a Lifetime ISA if eligible (under 40), making pension contributions for a non-working spouse (up to £2,880/year net = £3,600 gross), reviewing pension carry-forward, EIS/SEIS investments (higher rate relief), and ensuring you've claimed all allowable expenses for self-employment.