November Business Checklist: Stay Ahead Before Year-End
As the year starts to wind down, November is the perfect time to pause, review, and prepare your business for the months ahead.
From tax planning to cashflow management, taking a proactive approach now can help you start 2026 strong — and avoid a few nasty surprises come January.
Here’s your November business checklist from the team at Exchange Accountants 
1. Review Your 2025 Financial Performance
Check your management reports and year-to-date figures in Xero.
Ask:
Are profits tracking as expected?
Do you need to adjust your forecasts for Q4?
Are there any cashflow concerns to address before year-end?
Tip: If you’re using Xero, use the visual forecasting tools to spot trends early.
2. Plan Ahead for the January Self-Assessment Deadline
Don’t let tax season creep up on you — start now:
Gather income, expenses, and dividend records.
Check director loan accounts are accurate.
Submit early to avoid last-minute stress and penalties.
Deadline: 31 January 2026
3. Review Tax Planning Opportunities
Before the Autumn Budget (26 November), it’s wise to:
Review capital expenditure and investment plans.
Consider timing of dividends and bonuses.
Check use of annual allowances and reliefs.
Exchange can help you model different scenarios to optimise your year-end position.
4. Stay Informed on Budget Announcements
With speculation of tax rises and changes to LLP structures, the upcoming Autumn Budget could reshape planning for 2026.
We’ll be analysing every announcement and sharing updates tailored to Northern Ireland businesses.
Follow us for our post-Budget breakdown later this month.
5. Review Your Company Information
Before Companies House introduces new identity verification rules this month, check that:
All director and PSC details are up to date.
Your registered email address is correct.
Annual Confirmation Statements are filed on time.
Verification will soon be mandatory — if you’re unsure, our recent article explains what’s changing and how to prepare.
6. Book Your Year-End Review
November is the ideal time to sit down with your accountant to:
Review financial performance
Discuss tax strategy
Plan for next year’s goals
At Exchange Accountants, we help you turn numbers into insight — so you can make confident, data-driven decisions going into 2026.
Ready to Get Ahead?
Whether you’re reviewing your accounts, planning for the Budget, or getting your tax return in order — we’re here to make it simpler.
