Someone preparing a client's tax return gave ChatGPT the client's list of expenses, including a few items they didn't recognise, and it sorted them into the broad categories needed for the return. They said it saved them hours.
Here is a list of business expenses for [TYPE OF BUSINESS] in [COUNTRY] for [TAX YEAR]: [PASTE LIST WITH DATES, SUPPLIERS AND AMOUNTS]. Sort each one into these categories: [YOUR CATEGORIES, OR 'the usual categories for a self-assessment return']. Put anything you're unsure about, or that might be personal rather than business, in a separate 'check' list with a short reason, and give me totals per category.
Replace the [PLACEHOLDERS] with your own details before you send it.
How to try it
- Export or copy your expenses into a simple list, removing account numbers.
- Ask ChatGPT to categorise them and to list anything uncertain separately.
- Check the ‘unsure’ items yourself and have your accountant or the tax authority’s guidance confirm anything that matters.
More work use cases
Let Copilot handle fiddly spreadsheet formulas and slide tweaks
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In this presentation, [CHANGE, E.G. MAKE ALL SLIDE TITLES THE SAME FONT AND SIZE, AND MOVE THE LOGO TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT] on every slide except [SLIDES TO SKIP]. Then list what you changed so I can check it.
Turn a week of rough notes into a weekly update with ChatGPT
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Turn these rough notes from my week into a weekly update using exactly this template: [PASTE TEMPLATE]. Notes: [PASTE NOTES]. Keep it factual, don't add anything that isn't in my notes, and flag any section where I haven't given you enough information.
Get answers from a huge spreadsheet with Copilot in Excel
One user said Microsoft Copilot took a 400,000-line Excel file and a single ten-word prompt and saved him three hours.
In this data, [QUESTION, E.G. WHICH 10 CUSTOMERS HAD THE BIGGEST DROP IN ORDERS THIS YEAR VS LAST?]. Show the result as a table and explain how you worked it out.
Reference: X @AccountingAsArt