AI speeds up data capture and checks, while accountants provide guardrails. Use both to prepare your tax return with fewer errors and less hassle. It's efficient, affordable, and grounded in human oversight ...
Prepare your tax return, Gather all receipts and forms, A yearly financial task
People across the UK are turning to AI to prepare their tax returns with less friction and more confidence. Used well, Artificial Intelligence can help prepare tax returns by flagging missing interest, dividends, or expense receipts before submission.
AI can make the whole process feel faster and calmer!
The smartest approach blends algorithms with human oversight, because rules change and context matters. Many taxpayers still want a qualified professional to review calculations, sense‑check reliefs, and prepare their tax return at the final mile.
Current surveys indicate that more than half of filers plan to consult AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini, largely for speed, convenience and cost, while trust tends to dip among Generation X and older groups.
Consider a contractor juggling invoices in £ and mileage logs: an AI-powered assistant can categorise transactions, estimate payments on the account, and simulate outcomes, so they can prepare their tax return with fewer surprises and a clearer cash‑flow picture.
Accuracy still outranks novelty, because an incorrect entry can derail a return and trigger penalties, interest, or HMRC enquiries. Responsible technology explains its reasoning, protects data privacy, and brings in a professional when judgment is needed, keeping the work anchored in human oversight.
Most leading accounting packages now include AI tools. Some of them can even prepare your tax return for you, based on your regular bookkeeping. Your accountant can use the 'accountant view' to log in and review what the AI has created for you.
They can make vital adjustments before filing your return!
Let the AI in your accounts package gather data, organise entries and keep your bookkeeping tidy, then ask a professional to validate assumptions and file your tax return only after key figures are reconciled and evidence is attached.
With thoughtful guardrails and transparent workflows, people and technology complement each other, helping everyone prepare their tax return confidently, quickly and cost‑effectively.
Tax returns are a perfect example of the way AI should work.
If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about using AI to help prepare your tax return before your accountant files it for you, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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