Income Tax planning 25/26

[NorgeChester]

Hi, I recently retired. My salary/pension income for the tax year 25/26 will be £51,020. My tax free income is £12,838.

I will earn interest from UK non-ISA accounts £1,500

I have also received £8,600 interest in an overseas account (Norway), I understand this information is shared with HMRC under Common Reporting Standards (CSR) and the bank asked for my NINO.

If I don't do anything I estimate, after £500 tax-free allowance, I will pay tax on £9,600.

I have also made gift aid donations of around £300, I don't currently complete a self assessment so how would I inform HMRC of these donations to make sure I pay the correct amount of tax.

During the last 3 years I have tried to maximise my LGPS pension contributions via AVCs and upon retirement this has been paid to me tax-free, my DB pension is being paid without any cash commutation. To reduce my tax liability could I pay into a new pension if this is within my annual allowance or could I transfer the bank interest to my partner for them to invest into a SIPP, their taxable income will be circa £58k.

Any advice welcomed.