{"id":1407,"date":"2026-01-06T11:41:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T11:41:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/how-long-to-keep-tax-records\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T11:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T11:41:20","slug":"how-long-to-keep-tax-records","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/how-long-to-keep-tax-records\/","title":{"rendered":"How long to keep tax records in the UK (2026 update)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How long do you really need to keep your tax records when you\u2019re self-employed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only do accurate records prove how much tax you should pay, they can also keep you out of trouble in the event of an HMRC tax investigation. Plus with the introduction of Making Tax Digital meaning business owners need to keep digital records, what\u2019s changing for your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But most importantly: business owners are required by law to keep tax records for a certain number of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read on for everything you need to know, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-long\">how long you need to keep tax records<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#sole-trader\">record keeping for sole traders and partnerships<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#limited-company\">record keeping for limited companies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#takeaways\">tax record key takeaways<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#faqs\">record keeping FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long\"><strong>How long do you have to keep tax records for HMRC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-employed Self Assessment taxpayers need to keep their business records for at least five years after the 31 January deadline of the relevant tax year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you filed your 2024-25 tax returns by the relevant deadline on 31 January 2026, you\u2019ll need to keep your records until 31 January 2031.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you run a limited company and need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/company-tax-return\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1430\">file a company tax return<\/a>, there are more rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this applies to you, you\u2019ll need to keep your accounting records for longer \u2013 six years from the end of the last company year they relate to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are some situations when limited companies need to keep records even longer, such as if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">they show a transaction covering more than one of the company\u2019s accounting periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">the company has bought something that should last more than six years (like equipment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you sent the company tax return late<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-tax-investigation\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1402\">HMRC is investigating your company tax return<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is business turnover and how do you work it out?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_bFnuqOKcu8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recordkeepingstepbystepfortheselfemployed\">Record keeping: step-by-step for the self-employed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All businesses need to keep records of their income and expenses, but the rules are different depending on your legal structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sole-trader\"><strong>If you\u2019re a sole trader or partnership\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-choose-an-accounting-method\"><strong>1. Choose an accounting method<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two accounting methods the self-employed can use \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/cash-basis-vs-accrual-accounting\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1362\">cash basis accounting<\/a> and accrual (or traditional) accounting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of 6 April 2024, cash basis has become the default method of accounting for small businesses. If you want to use traditional accounting, you have to opt out of cash basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Record keeping when using cash basis accounting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you record income and expenses by the date you receive a payment or pay a bill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">so if you invoice a customer on 27 March 2026 and don\u2019t get the payment until the end of April 2026, you record the income for the 2026-27 tax year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cash basis is a simpler method of accounting, HMRC expects businesses to take a consistent approach to record keeping. For example, if you decide to record payments two working days after they\u2019ve been received, you should stick to this approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with all record keeping, you\u2019ll need to keep track of stock, debtors, and creditors to help your business run smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Record keeping when using traditional accounting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you record income and expenses by the date you invoiced or were billed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">so if you\u2019re billed on 25 March 2026 and don\u2019t make the payment until the end of April 2026, you record the expense for the 2025-26 tax year rather than 2026-27<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2whatbusinessrecordstokeep\">2. What business records to keep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC lists the records that sole traders need to keep. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">sales and income<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-employed-expenses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1511\">self-employed expenses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">VAT records (if you\u2019re <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/vat-registration-threshold-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1556\">VAT registered<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/paying-paye-tax-guide-for-employers\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1493\">PAYE records<\/a> (if you have employees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">details of personal income (for example from savings, investments, and rental income)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">details of grants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you use traditional accounting there\u2019s more records you need to keep, like what you\u2019re owed but haven\u2019t received yet, as well as how much you\u2019ve invested in the business over the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How to keep business records<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s lots of information you need to keep \u2013 HMRC says you should also keep proof alongside your records, including all:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">receipts (for goods, stock, and expenses)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">bank statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cheque stubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/how-to-write-an-invoice\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1461\">sales invoices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/what-is-a-purchase-order\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"973\">purchase orders<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">till rolls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">bank slips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So it\u2019s really important to have an effective filing system for all your business records. This should make everything easier when it comes to the tax-year end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/best-small-business-accounting-software-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1262\">accounting software<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tech\/best-invoice-app-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1337\">invoice software<\/a> available that can automate some of these tasks and keep your records in one place. For example, some apps let you scan and upload your receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reminder: <\/strong>With the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD), small business owners and the self-employed will be required to keep digital tax records \u2013 as well as using MTD-compliant accounting software to submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do end up losing your records, you need to tell HMRC whether you\u2019re using estimated figures or provisional figures when <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\">filling in your tax return<\/a>. Provisional figures are best estimates while you wait for the actual figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are three top tips for record keeping:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Keep your personal and business bank accounts separate<\/strong> \u2013 here are the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/banking\/best-small-business-bank-account\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1332\">best business bank accounts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Reconcile your accounts at least once a month<\/strong> \u2013 your income and expenditure records need to match up with your financial statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Spend time creating and maintaining your filing system<\/strong> \u2013 you can break your paperwork down by year, quarter, or month, depending on what works for your business (but the important thing is to stay on top of filing and don\u2019t procrastinate)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"limited-company\"><strong>If you\u2019re a limited company\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Company records<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While limited company directors will need to file a Self Assessment tax return, they\u2019ll have more responsibilities than sole traders when it comes to record keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s because the limited company legal structure is more complex, as it\u2019s a separate entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means you need to keep records of the company itself (not just financial records).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">directors, shareholders, and company secretaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">shareholder votes and resolutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">debentures (promises to repay a loan at a future date)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">indemnities (payments to make when things go wrong and it\u2019s the company\u2019s fault)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">transactions when people buy shares<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">loans and mortgages secured against the company\u2019s assets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Accounting records<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t keep accounting records, you can be fined \u00a33,000 and disqualified as a company director, so it\u2019s important you do this correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as information about the company, you need to keep financial and accounting records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">money spent and received by the company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">details of assets owned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">details of debts the company owes or is owed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">stock the company owns at the end of the financial year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">stocktakings used to work out that figure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">all goods bought and sold (and who from and to)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-business-turnover\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1577\">turnover<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">income (including <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-calculate-profit-margin\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1422\">profits<\/a>, trading losses brought forward, and property income)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">chargeable gains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">profits before other deductions and reliefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">deductions and reliefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">tax reliefs and reductions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">tax reconciliation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">losses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your records are lost, you need to try to recreate them. Tell your corporation tax office straight away and mention it in your company tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How to keep limited company records<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the breadth of business records that limited companies need to keep, it\u2019s important to have an effective system in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/how-much-does-an-accountant-cost\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"809\" >Hiring professionals like accountants<\/a> and bookkeepers can be useful \u2013 but make sure you do your research and only work with people who have a good reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While professionals are often expensive, they free up your time so you can focus on running your business. Plus, they can advise on record keeping and your overall tax liabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting and invoice software can also make record keeping a lot easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"takeaways\">Key takeaways: tax record-keeping for the self-employed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining accurate financial records is a legal requirement for UK business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sole traders and partnerships, records must be kept for at least five years after the 31 January Self Assessment deadline. In contrast, limited companies face stricter regulations, generally requiring records to be held for six years, with certain circumstances requiring an either longer duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the transition to Making Tax Digital, businesses must increasingly adopt digital record-keeping and compliant software to track income, expenses, and company-specific data. Whether using cash basis or traditional accounting, staying organised is essential to avoid HMRC penalties or director disqualification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">Record keeping FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long should I keep my tax records if I\u2019m self-employed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a sole trader or in a partnership, you must keep your business records for at least five years after the 31 January deadline of the relevant tax year. For example, records for the 2024-25 tax year (deadline 31 January 2026) must be kept until 31 January 2031.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the record-keeping requirement for limited companies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limited companies are generally required to keep accounting records for six years from the end of the last company financial year they relate to. However, you should keep them longer if the records cover transactions spanning multiple periods, involve long-term equipment purchases, or if HMRC is currently conducting an investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What specific documents does HMRC require for record-keeping?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To remain compliant, you should keep proof of all transactions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">invoices (sales and purchases) and receipts for stock and expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">bank statements and check stubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">VAT and PAYE records (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">records of personal income, grants, or investments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the penalties for not keeping accurate company records?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Failure to maintain proper accounting records for a limited company can result in a fine of up to \u00a33,000 from HMRC and may lead to being disqualified as a company director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does Making Tax Digital affect my record-keeping?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Making Tax Digital, self-employed individuals and small businesses are required to maintain digital tax records. You must use MTD-compatible software to store your data and submit your returns to HMRC, as paper-only systems are being phased out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do if my tax records are lost or destroyed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If records are lost, you must inform HMRC immediately. For Self Assessment, you may use &#8220;provisional&#8221; or &#8220;estimated&#8221; figures on your return, but you must specify which you are using. Limited companies must attempt to recreate the records and notify their Corporation Tax office right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More guides for small businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-making-tax-digital\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1580\">Making Tax Digital: a guide for small businesses and the self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/small-business-tax-relief\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1527\">How to claim tax relief for small businesses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-assessment-deadline\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1509\">When is the Self Assessment deadline?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/public-liability-vs-professional-indemnity-difference\/\">Public liability or professional indemnity insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"readytosetupyourcover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How long do you really need to keep your tax records after you file your Self Assessment?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3707,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,344,348],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1407","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-business-tax","category-self-assessment"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How long to keep tax records in the UK (2026 update)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How long should you keep your tax records after you file your Self Assessment? 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