Key dates
The tax year, the main deadlines on it, and how long until the next one.
What is coming up.
Next up: Companies House accounts, December year ends, 30 September 2026 (in 21 days).
Hover or tab around the ring to read each date. Clients get a reminder from our practice system before every one, so none of them is a surprise.
- 31 January
Self Assessment online return
Online tax return due, with the balancing payment and the first payment on account. Late means a penalty and interest.
Sole traders, landlords, directors with a return
- 5 April
End of the tax year
Last day of the tax year. Use this year's ISA, pension, capital gains and dividend allowances or lose them.
Everyone
- 6 April
New tax year
New rates, thresholds and allowances. Payroll needs the new tables. Time to review the salary and dividend mix.
Employers, directors
- 31 July
Second payment on account
The second advance instalment towards the Self Assessment bill.
Anyone who pays on account
- 30 September
Companies House accounts, December year ends
Companies with a 31 December year end must file accounts by now. Penalties start at £150 and reach £1,500 after six months.
Limited companies
- 5 October
Register for Self Assessment
Tell HMRC you need to file a return for the tax year to 5 April, if you have not filed before.
New sole traders, new landlords, new untaxed income
- 31 October
Paper Self Assessment return
Paper returns due. Online filers have until 31 January.
Paper filers
Every month and every quarter
The ring shows the fixed dates in the year. The rest depend on your business: PAYE and National Insurance reach HMRC by the 22nd of the following month if you pay electronically, VAT returns and payments are due one month and seven days after each quarter, and Corporation Tax is usually due nine months and a day after the year end, with the return a year after. Ask us about your own dates.
Never miss one
A reminder before each deadline, the monthly tax e-bulletin, and the quarterly magazine.