Self assessment
4 min read
· Updated
April 2026
The records to keep for your tax return
What to keep, how long for, and a simple way to stop the January scramble.
Good records are the cheapest way to cut your accountancy bill. The less we have to chase, the less time it takes.
What to keep
Sales invoices and receipts, bank statements for any account you use for the business, receipts for what you buy, mileage logs if you drive for work, and any letters from HMRC.
How long for
Keep your records for at least five years after the 31 January deadline for that tax year. Photos or scans are fine, as long as they're clear.
A simple habit
Use a separate bank account for the business, snap receipts on your phone the day you get them and send us your figures every quarter rather than once a year.
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This guide is general information, correct when it was last updated. Tax rules change and every situation is different, so please don’t act on it without talking to an accountant.
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