So, the self-assessment deadline has been and gone. Maybe you got everything filed with time to spare (well done, you!), or perhaps it was a last-minute scramble to find missing receipts and track down expenses. Either way, you might be thinking, “Next year, I’ll be more organised.”

Good news: you actually can be! And it doesn’t have to be painful. Keeping your business records tidy throughout the year means less stress, no last-minute panics, and a much easier time when tax season rolls around. At Navigate, we help businesses like yours stay ahead, and here’s how you can do it too.

1. Get Your Receipts Under Control

Receipts have a habit of vanishing into thin air – stuffed in pockets, lost in the car, or crumpled at the bottom of a bag. Instead of relying on a ‘safe place’ (which never turns out to be safe at all), use an app to snap and store receipts as soon as you get them. Apps like Dext or AutoEntry let you upload receipts straight to your bookkeeping software, so you can wave goodbye to paper clutter and mystery expenses.

If apps aren’t your thing, a simple envelope system works too. Have one for each month and drop in receipts as you go. Just don’t forget they exist when it’s time to do your books.

2. Keep Business and Personal Finances Separate

It might feel easier to use one bank account for everything, but that’s a shortcut to confusion. A dedicated business account makes tracking income and expenses a breeze and stops your weekly grocery shop from getting mixed up with legitimate business costs. If you haven’t already, open a business bank account – it’ll save you so much time and effort later.

3. Block Out Time for Bookkeeping (and Actually Stick to It)

Bookkeeping is one of those things that’s easy to push aside because there’s always something more urgent. But leaving it all until January is a guaranteed way to make life difficult for yourself.

Instead, set a regular time each week or month to check your records. Even 30 minutes will do. Match up invoices, log expenses, and make sure everything’s looking tidy. Treat it like an important meeting – because, frankly, it is.

4. Get Into the Habit of Sending Invoices Promptly

Late invoicing leads to late payments, which leads to cash flow headaches. The quicker you send invoices, the quicker you get paid, and the easier it is to keep track of what’s owed to you. Make it a rule to invoice as soon as the job is done rather than letting them pile up. Most bookkeeping software lets you automate reminders too – so you don’t have to chase clients manually.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Bookkeeping Software (Or Your Bookkeeper)

If you’re using bookkeeping software, make sure you’re actually making use of it. Many systems can automate a lot of your record-keeping, but only if they’re set up properly. Categorise expenses as they come in rather than letting them pile up as an uncategorised mess. And if you work with us, don’t wait until December to get in touch. The more regularly you check in, the smoother things will be when tax season arrives. We love helping businesses stay organised – it’s what we do best.

6. Get Ahead on Tax Payments

Self-assessment isn’t just about reporting what you earned – it’s about paying what you owe. If last month’s tax bill caught you off guard, start putting money aside now. A separate savings account for tax can take the sting out of payments when they’re due.

Better yet, HMRC’s ‘Time to Pay’ system lets you make monthly payments towards your next bill, so you’re not hit with a big lump sum at the last minute.

7. Don’t Wait Until December to Ask Questions

Every year, we see businesses trying to fix messy records in a panic just weeks before the deadline. But tax planning works best when it’s done in advance, not in a rush. If you’re not sure about something, ask early  –it might save you money and stress in the long run.

Let’s Make Next Year Easy

You don’t have to become a bookkeeping expert to stay organised – you just need simple systems that work for you. By staying on top of things little by little, next January can be a breeze instead of a headache. And if you ever need a hand, we are here to help! Book a call with us or give our team a ring on 01709 589 439.