Week 1: First things first

Talk to your accountant or bookkeeper. They’ll tell you what you need to do before 31 March including what you can claim for and what you can’t.  Remember, tax time is busy for them too, so the more prepared you are, the smoother the process, and the better the result.

File your return on time.  Don’t waste your hard-earned cash on unnecessary interest and penalties.  Get your accounts up to date, tidy up loose ends and file on time.

Week 2: Your assets and stock

Review your inventory.  The value of your stock affects your business’s taxable profit.  Do a meticulous stocktake before year-end.  Get rid of any out-of-date or damaged items and write them off.

Extra assets on board?  Year-end is the time to ditch surplus assets.  If you can sell them, great, otherwise write them off.

Week 3: Your spending

Sooner rather than later.  If you’re planning to buy any new equipment or assets, do it on or before 31 March (rather than 1 April) to reduce your taxable income and gain a full month’s depreciation.

Got invoices and receipts for your expenses? It can be tricky to keep track of everything so if you’re not already, go digital. Scanning receipts and saving electronic invoices in the cloud saves time and space.

Week 4: Your staff

Payroll up to date?  Now’s the time to check your payroll system only includes current staff and that all their details are correct.  Ensure former staff don’t have access to company systems.

Remember tax on bonuses:  Special bonuses this time of year can be a great way to reward and motivate staff, just remember to get the tax right on any lump sums made.  Also keep in mind any bonuses for the current year, and holiday pay or long service leave paid out within 63 days after 31 March can be deducted against your current year income.