- Osome Blog UK
- 2026-2027 Tax Year Dates
Tax Year Dates: Complete Guide to UK Tax Deadlines 2026-2027
- Modified: 19 June 2026
- 7 min read
- Taxes & Compliance, Running a Business
Ruth Dsouza
Author
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer who specialises in crafting clear, compelling narratives from complex ideas. With expertise in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she simplifies business concepts for a wide audience. Her writing blends strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, always with a focus on clarity, credibility, and meaningful impact.
Mosan Ali
Reviewer
Mosan Ali is our Accounting Manager based in the UK and has a wealth of knowledge of UK GAAP, VAT, and PAYE. With 12 years of experience crunching numbers and ensuring compliance, he keeps our financial reporting ship-shape. Think of Mosan as our blog's accounting guru. He carefully reviews our UK-focused content, ensuring it's accurate, up-to-date, and packed with helpful tips for UK businesses. Get your taxes right from day one with our informative blog posts.
Understanding important tax year dates is essential for every business owner, self-employed individual, and company director in the UK. Missing key tax dates can lead to substantial penalties, interests, and unnecessary stress, all of which can be avoided with proper planning. Whether you’re filing a self assessment tax return, managing corporation tax obligations, or handling VAT requirements, knowing your tax deadlines throughout the financial year is crucial for staying compliant with HM Revenue and Customs.
Key Takeaways
- The UK tax year starts on April 6 and ends on April 5 of the following year, with the 2025-26 tax year ending on 5 April 2026 and the 2026-27 tax year starting the next day. Knowing these dates helps individuals and businesses effectively plan their affairs for the tax year.
- Key deadlines for self assessment tax returns include 31st October for paper tax returns and 31st January for online tax returns. Missing these dates can result in penalties and interests from HM Revenue and Customs.
- Corporation tax returns and payments are due nine months and one day after a company’s accounting period ends. Staying on top of these deadlines is important to avoid late payment fines and manage cash flow.
When Does the UK Tax Year Start and End?
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. For example, the last tax year (2025-26 tax year) began on 6th April 2025 and ended on 5th April 2026. The 2026-27 tax year started the day after, on 6th April 2025. This tax year period applies to income tax, capital gains tax, and personal allowances for individuals and businesses across the country. This consistent annual cycle means that each new tax year begins precisely when the previous tax year ends, creating a continuous timeline for tax filing and payments.
Unlike many other countries that use the Gregorian calendar year for tax purposes, the UK tax year, which ends on 5th April, offers specific advantages for seasonal businesses and helps distribute the administrative workload across different periods of the year.
Osome’s company registration and accounting services help you meet all key tax year deadlines with ease. From self-assessment tax returns for self-employed individuals and small businesses to corporation tax, and returns for VAT-registered businesses, let Osome handle your filings so you can focus on growing your business.
Key Tax Deadlines for 2026-27 Tax Year
Staying on top of key tax year dates is vital to avoid penalties and manage your tax bills efficiently. Below is a concise table highlighting the most critical tax dates for the 2026-27 UK tax year that every taxpayer should be aware of.
Date | Deadline/Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2026 | Paper Tax Return Deadline | Last day to submit self assessment tax returns in paper format; online returns have later deadlines. |
| 31 January 2027 | Final Day for Online Tax Return & Payment | Deadline for filing online self assessment tax returns and paying any tax owed for the previous tax year (2025-26). |
| 5 April 2027 | End of the Tax Year | Final day to use annual allowances, make pension contributions, and claim tax reliefs for the year. |
| 6 April 2027 | Start of New Tax Year | Beginning of the 2027-28 tax year with new allowances and tax planning opportunities. |
| 31 July 2027 | Second Payment on Account | Second advance payment for self assessment tax with tax bills over £ 1,000 is due. |
Expert accountants on your side
Our local team of experts helps founders get their set-up, taxes and paperwork right from the start
Tax Deadlines by Business Type
Different business structures face varying tax obligations and deadlines throughout the year, each with specific requirements that must be met to maintain compliance with tax law.
Self Assessment tax dates
Self-assessment taxes apply to self-employed individuals, landlords, high earners over £ 100,000, and company directors with multiple income sources.
Key deadlines for the 2026-27 tax year are summarised below:
Date | Deadline/Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6th April 2026 | Start of Filing Period | Online self assessment tax return filing for the 2025-26 tax year begins. |
| 5th October 2026 | Registration Deadline | New self-employed and untaxed income taxpayers must register by this date. |
| 31st January 2027 | Online Filing and Payment Deadline | Final date for submitting online tax returns for the 2025-26 tax year, paying any tax owed, and making the first payment on account for the 2026-27 tax year. |
| 31st July 2027 | Second Payment on Account Deadline | Second advance payment for self assessment tax with tax bills over £ 1,000 is due. |
Meeting these key dates helps avoid penalties and interest. Registering by 5 October ensures you receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference in time. Filing early from 6 April allows faster processing. Payments on account spread your tax liability into manageable instalments.
Limited Company (LTD) tax deadlines, including corporation tax
Limited companies have several key dates throughout the year, which vary based on when their fiscal years end. Managing these important dates carefully is essential to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Deadline | Description | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Accounts Submission | Submit annual accounts to Companies House, disclosing financial position and performance. | Within 9 months after fiscal year ends |
| Corporation Tax Payment | Pay corporation tax based on profits made during the accounting period. | 9 months and 1 day after fiscal year ends |
| CT600 Company Tax Return Filing | File the company’s tax return detailing tax calculations and supporting corporation tax payment. | Within 12 months after fiscal year ends |
| Confirmation Statement Submission | Update Companies House with company structure and key personnel information. | Every 12 months from incorporation or last submission |
| Dormant Accounts Submission | For companies not actively trading, submit dormant accounts to maintain compliance. | Within 9 months after fiscal year ends |
Adhering to these deadlines ensures that your limited company stays compliant with UK tax laws. Be sure to file any untaxed income before the deadline and pay back any tax owed to avoid further penalties and interest charges.
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) tax deadlines
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) have specific filing deadlines that vary depending on the tax status of their partners. Understanding these deadlines is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
Partner Type | Filing Deadline (Paper) | Filing Deadline (Online) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Partners | 31 October following tax year | 31st January following tax year | Aligns with personal self assessment tax return deadlines for individual partners |
| Corporate Partners Only | 9 months after the end of the tax year | 12 months after the end of the tax year | Reflects extended deadlines for filing consistent with corporate tax obligations |
In addition to tax return filings, LLPs must submit the following documents as well by the deadlines for filing:
- Confirmation Statements: Due every 12 months from the firm’s incorporation date or 12 months after the last statement submission. There is a 14-day window to file after each 12-month period ends.
- Annual Accounts: Must be submitted to Companies House within 9 months after the end of the LLP’s financial year. This ensures transparency regarding the partnership’s financial status and business activities.
Adhering to these deadlines helps LLPs stay compliant with UK tax laws and maintain good standing with regulatory authorities.
Employer and Indirect Tax Deadlines
Businesses with employees and those registered for VAT face additional ongoing obligations throughout the year, requiring consistent attention to monthly and quarterly deadlines.
VAT filing and payment deadlines
VAT-registered businesses must submit their VAT return and make digital or postal payments within 1 month and 7 days after each quarter's end, creating quarterly deadlines that fall on the 7th of each month following the VAT period conclusion.
Here is a table outlining the VAT quarters alongside their corresponding submission deadlines:
VAT Quarter Period | Start Date | End Date | Submission & Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 1 January | 31 March | 7 May |
| Quarter 2 | 1 April | 30 June | 7 August |
| Quarter 3 | 1 July | 30 September | 7 November |
| Quarter 4 | 1 October | 31 December | 7 February (following year) |
The annual VAT threshold currently stands at £ 90,000 for mandatory registration, meaning businesses with turnover above this level must register for VAT and begin submitting quarterly returns within the required timeframes.
Making Tax Digital requirements now apply to all VAT-registered businesses, mandating the use of compatible software for record-keeping and return submission, fundamentally changing how businesses manage their VAT obligations and maintain compliance.
PAYE and employer submission deadlines
Employers must make PAYE payments by the 19th of the following month for postal payments or by the 22nd for electronic submissions, creating monthly obligations that require consistent cash flow management and payroll processing accuracy.
These monthly deadlines apply throughout the year, meaning employers face 12 separate payment obligations annually, each requiring accurate calculation of income tax, National Insurance payments, and pension contributions for all employees during the relevant timeframes.
Simplify your self-assessment registration process
Take the stress out of tax season with our expert guidance. Let us help you navigate self-assessment registration smoothly. Schedule a consultation now.
Monthly Tax Calendar for 2026–2027
Paying taxes on time and accurately requires understanding the specific deadlines that fall throughout 2026–2027, helping you avoid penalties and manage cash flow effectively across the entire year.
April to June 2026
April marks a significant transition with the new tax year starting on the 6th, triggering fresh allowances and new planning opportunities. Important deadlines and obligations in April include:
- Completion of End of Year PAYE submissions.
- VAT return due on 7 April.
In May, key dates to remember are:
- 31st May: P60 distribution deadline, requiring employers to provide annual summaries to all employees.
- Corporation tax payments due for various company year-ends.
- VAT return deadline on 7 May.
June involves multiple compliance requirements such as:
- Corporation tax return submissions for companies with various year-ends.
- Quarterly VAT return due on 7 June.
- PAYE payment obligations on 19 June.
These monthly deadlines highlight the importance of staying organised and compliant throughout the tax year.
July to September 2026
July features the critical second payment on account deadline on the 31st for self assessment taxpayers, Class 1A National Insurance payments for employer-provided benefits, and the standard VAT return submission on the 7th.
August includes:
- Corporation tax payments and return submissions for companies with different financial year ends.
- The monthly VAT return deadline on 7 August.
- PAYE payment obligations on 19 August.
September involves:
- Corporation tax deadlines for specific company year-ends.
- VAT return submissions on 7 September.
- PAYE payments on 19 September.
- Businesses beginning preparation for the final quarter of the year.
Your Making Tax Digital checklist
If you are VAT registered, you must sign up for MTD. Here’s what you need to get started with Making Tax Digital.
October to December 2026
October includes:
- Paper self assessment deadline on 31 October for the previous tax year, with most taxpayers benefiting from online tax return systems that offer extended deadlines and faster processing.
November involves:
- Corporation tax payment obligations for various companies.
- VAT return deadline on 7 November.
- PAYE payments due on 19 November.
- Year-end planning activities for businesses.
December focuses on:
- Year-end planning and preparation.
- Corporation tax deadlines for specific company year-ends.
- Final VAT return of the year due on 7 December.
- Businesses preparing for the upcoming tax season and new year obligations.
Penalties and Interest for Missing Deadlines
Understanding the financial consequences of missing tax deadlines highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records and meeting payment obligations on time. Below is a summary of common penalties and charges associated with late submissions and payments for various tax types in the UK.
Tax Type | Late Filing Penalties | Late Payment Penalties & Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Self Assessment | £ 100 automatic penalty after 31 January; £ 10 daily penalties up to £ 900 after 3 months; further penalties of 5% of tax due or £ 300 at 6 and 8 months (whichever is greater) | 5% of outstanding tax after 30 days; additional 5% charges at 6 and 12 months; daily accruing interest throughout delay period |
| Corporation Tax Return | 1 day late: £ 100; 3 months late: additional £ 100; 6 months late: HMRC estimates tax bill and adds 10% penalty on unpaid tax; 12 months late: further 10% penalty on unpaid tax | Interest charged on unpaid tax from due date |
| Company Accounts (Companies House) | £ 150 for up to 3 months late; £ 375 for 3-6 months late; £ 1,500 for over 6 months late | No interest charged; fixed fines apply for late filing |
| VAT | Surcharge liability notice after late submission; percentage-based penalties on future VAT bills for repeated late returns | Interest charged on late payments |
| PAYE | Penalties based on number of late payments; starting at 1% of monthly payment for occasional delays; up to 4% for persistent late payments | Interest charged on late payments |
Late penalties can accumulate quickly, significantly increasing the amount owed and potentially impacting cash flow. Staying aware of deadlines and submitting returns and payments on time is essential to avoid these additional costs.
How to Avoid Missing Tax Deadlines
Avoiding costly penalties and stress is easier with proactive planning and organisation. Here are key steps to stay on track:
- Set calendar reminders for all tax deadlines to allow time for preparation and payments.
- Submit returns early to allow for corrections and smoother payment arrangements.
- Use HMRC online services for faster processing, instant confirmation, and extended deadlines.
- Arrange direct debits for regular payments like PAYE and VAT to avoid missed deadlines.
- Contact HMRC promptly if facing payment difficulties to set up payment plans and avoid penalties.
- Seek professional tax advice for complex situations involving multiple income sources or business changes.
Following these steps helps ensure timely compliance and avoid fines, penalties, and interest charges.
How Osome Can Help
Paying taxes across multiple deadlines and business structures can be challenging. Osome offers comprehensive services, including annual filings, Corporation tax return (CT600) preparation, Confirmation statement submissions, self-assessment tax return handling from income calculation to payment arrangements, and VAT filing and registration assistance. Additionally, our experienced team provides tax investigation support, ensuring accurate, timely compliance while protecting your business interests throughout the process.
Summary
Navigating tax year dates and deadlines is crucial for individuals and businesses in the UK to stay compliant and avoid penalties. The UK tax year runs from April 6 to April 5, with key deadlines for self-assessment tax returns for the self-employed, corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE payments spread throughout the year. Understanding these important tax year dates, registering on time, filing returns promptly, whether online or on paper, and paying taxes by the due dates can help you avoid fines and interests. Proper planning and using HMRC’s making tax digital portal or professional tax advice can simplify managing your tax obligations and keep your finances on track.
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer who specialises in crafting clear, compelling narratives from complex ideas. With expertise in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she simplifies business concepts for a wide audience. Her writing blends strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, always with a focus on clarity, credibility, and meaningful impact.
