Tax year dates & deadlines 2026

When does the UK tax year start and end in 2026?

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about when the UK tax year actually starts and ends. It’s one of the most common questions independent business owners ask; especially when planning income, setting aside money for tax, or hearing deadlines talked about in “tax years” rather than calendar dates.

One key thing to know upfront is that the UK tax year doesn’t follow the calendar year, which often catches people out. Instead, it runs on its own timetable that applies across most personal taxes, including Income Tax and National Insurance.

For most individuals and small businesses, the 2026 tax year runs from:

• 6^th April 2026
• 5^th April 2027

This applies to:

• Sole traders
• Self-employed individuals
• Company directors (for personal income)
• Employees under PAYE

Limited companies, however, usually work to their own accounting periods, which we’ll cover under Corporation Tax.

Key tax dates 2026 at a glance

While exact dates depend on your circumstances, most small businesses will encounter these recurring deadlines:

• 31^st January – Online Self-Assessment deadline & tax payment
• 5^th April – End of tax year
• 6^th April – Start of new tax year
• 6^th April – New Making Tax Digital (MTD) system is now mandatory
• 6^th April – VAT changes apply to some goods
• 31^st July – Second payment on account (if applicable)
• 31^st October – Paper Self-Assessment return deadline
• Monthly or quarterly – PAYE and VAT deadlines
• 9 months + 1 day after accounting period end (Corporation Tax payment)

Missing deadlines can trigger penalties and interest, so planning them into your calendar early can avoid late payment headaches.

Corporation tax dates for limited companies

Corporation Tax applies to limited companies, not individuals.

How corporation tax works

• Companies pay Corporation Tax on profits
• Accounting periods usually last 12 months
• Corporation Tax is not aligned to the tax year

Key Deadlines

• Pay Corporation Tax: 9 months and 1 day after period end
• File Company Tax Return: 12 months after period end

Directors must still file personal Self-Assessment returns for salaries and dividends.

Read more on when Corporation Tax is due

VAT returns & deadlines

Most VAT-registered businesses:

• Submit quarterly VAT returns
• Pay VAT one month and seven days after the end of each VAT quarter

Depending on how your business operates, you may choose alternative options, such as:

• Monthly returns, which can help with cash flow if you regularly reclaim VAT
• The Annual Accounting Scheme, which spreads VAT payments across the year

Choosing the right scheme can make VAT easier to manage alongside your wider finances.

Making Tax Digital (MTD): What you need to know

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s long-term plan to move tax reporting online, with the aim of making tax reporting more accurate and more up to date. While the changes have been introduced gradually, 6^th April 2026 is an important milestone for many small businesses, particularly sole traders and landlords.

If you’ve heard about MTD but aren’t sure how it affects you, you’re not alone. The rules depend on your business type and income, and not everyone will be affected at the same time.

You can find out more about MTD through official guidance, but the key points are outlined below.

Find out more about MTD deadline.

Policy changes: Dates for small businesses in 2026

Policy and regulatory changes can have a real impact on small businesses, particularly those that employ staff. While not every update will affect every business, staying aware of what’s changing, and when, can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Minimum Wage

Following the Autumn Statement 2025 new rates will be coming into effect from 1st April. For 2026, businesses should expect updates to:

• The National Living Wage
• Age-based minimum wage rates for younger workers and apprentices

Employment legislation

Alongside wage changes from 1^st April, new employment rights are being introduced.

Not all changes apply immediately or to all businesses, but employers are expected to stay informed and adapt as required. Regularly reviewing contracts, policies, and payroll processes can help ensure you remain compliant as rules develop.

For many small businesses, keeping policies under review and seeking advice where needed is a sensible way to stay on top of changes without added stress.

Common tax mistakes small businesses make

Every year many businesses make the same mistakes misunderstanding exactly what their obligations are to the tax office.

• Missing registration deadlines
• Confusing tax year with accounting year
• Not setting aside money for tax
• Ignoring regional tax differences
• Leaving compliance until the last minute

Understanding the UK tax year and your obligations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With good records, forward planning, and awareness of how rules apply to your business type, tax becomes far more manageable.

Tax rules do change, so always check current guidance or seek professional advice if your situation is complex.

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.