New research from Wealthtime reveals tax anxiety among UK investors is rising sharply. The study shows that more than half of advised clients feel more worried about tax than they did a year ago, with confidence in tax-year end planning at notably low levels.
Tax Concerns Rising Among Advised Clients
The nationally representative survey—conducted by Ad Lucem in January 2026 among 1,000 UK adults aged 35+ with average investable assets of £350,000—reveals that 53% of those who have received financial advice in the last three years are now more worried about tax.
Growing confusion appears to be driving the anxiety:
- 47% say changing tax rules and allowances create uncertainty
- 30% admit they are confused about pension rules
- Many struggle to understand what actions to prioritise as the tax year end approaches
These findings highlight the increasing complexity individuals face when managing their tax affairs, even when they are financially engaged.
Last Minute Decision Making Is the Norm
The research also uncovers a strong pattern of last‑minute tax planning. 52% of respondents completed most of their tax-year end activity in March or April last year, with 24% leaving it until the final week.
Make sure you’re on track to meet key deadlines by checking the key dates for 2026 Tax Year End.
The top barriers to acting earlier were:
- Lack of time (28%)
- Fear of making the wrong choice (27%)
- Uncertainty about what to prioritise (21%)
This tendency to delay is contributing to widespread regret among investors.
Tax Year-End Regrets Are Common
Three‑quarters (74%) of respondents reported at least one tax-year end regret in the previous year. The most common were:
- Leaving decisions too late (27%)
- Missing an allowance (23%)
- Holding too much money in cash (18%)
These regrets offer advisers a clear opportunity to intervene earlier and help clients make more confident, informed decisions.
Tax Year-End Confidence Index
The Tax Year-End Confidence Index confirms that overall confidence is low, with an average score of 45.7/100.
The Index measures how concerned consumers feel about:
- Making mistakes
- Missing allowances
- Lacking the right information
- Not understanding the rules
Those currently receiving ongoing financial advice scored higher (48) than those who no longer take advice (41). Notably, only 20% of actively advised clients fall into the “low confidence” category (scoring 40 or below), compared with 45% of previously advised clients.
“Tax year end is becoming increasingly stressful for investors. Changing rules and allowances mean even financially engaged clients can feel unsure about what action to take and when. What’s clear from our research is that ongoing advice makes a measurable difference. Those working with an adviser feel more confident, more informed and more in control, highlighting the value of an ongoing advice relationship at this critical time of year.”
Kylie Clark, CX Director – Wealthtime
“What stands out isn’t that clients are complacent, it’s that they’re cautious. And caution, left unmanaged, looks a lot like procrastination. The data consistently shows that reassurance and structure beat urgency‑based messaging. Advisers who start earlier, simplify priorities and remove admin friction will convert that anxiety into action.”
Phil Wickenden, Founder & CEO – Ad Lucem
Useful Tax Year End information
To help you feel more confident about tax year end, visit our Wealthtime Tax Year End hub that’s full of clear guidance, expert insights and practical tools to help you navigate the busiest time of the financial year.
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