Tax year dates and deadlines UK 2025

The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year.

Also known as the fiscal year, this is the period during which any calculations, assessments and financial reporting will be based.

Whether you’re an individual or running an incorporated business, by the end of the period, you’ll need to have your accounts and expenses in order ready to submit to HMRC.

The deadlines for paying your tax bill comes later, so there is a period of time after the tax year ends (5 April) to plan for payments and to settle your account.

Note the exception that the first payment on account for a tax year is due on 31 January for that year, for those submitting Self Assessment returns.

For limited companies it is a little different.

In this case, the tax deadlines are variable and depend on the date a company was incorporated, or on the chosen accounting period for the company.

Below, we take a look at key dates for those who need to file Self Assessment tax returns, requirements for limited companies, dates that limited liability partnerships (LLPs) need to be aware of, and important dates for employers, too.

Deadlines for submitting VAT

The tax deadlines do not always include making payments. Usually, there is a deadline to file and then the payment deadline will be at a later date.

For example, Self Assessment, PAYE, corporation tax and VAT all require values being submitted and then payments are due at a later date.

If you miss the deadline for submitting or paying your Self Assessment bill, you’ll face a fine of £100 and be charged interest on any late payments.

If you take longer than three months, the fine will start increasing, and the interest will keep accruing.

Limited companies that file accounts to Companies House late are also fined.

In this case, it starts at £150 if the accounts are filed within one month after the deadline. If you file late but within three months of the deadline then the fine is £375, and within six months the fine is £750. After that the penalty is £1,500.

If you’re running a limited company and have been affected by events outside of your control, then you can apply to extend your account filing deadline through Companies House.

You have to make an application before the filing deadline passes, so if you are expecting this to be an issue, it’s worth taking action sooner rather than later.

Bear in mind that you can’t apply for an extension just because of everyday challenges – the example HMRC gives is a situation such as a fire destroying your company records.

If you’ve got a good reason, you can apply for an extension by post or online via Companies House.

You’ll need to provide an explanation for why you need the extension, and ideally provide some evidence and documentation to support it.

A tax return for the previous year can be submitted the moment the new tax year starts.

That means you can submit your Self Assessment tax return on 6 April.

Submitting your tax return early means you can avoid having to compile your accounts in a panic with a deadline looming. It will also help for better financial management and business planning.

If you have more time to consider your allowable expenses, you could bring your overall tax bill down. If you submit your tax return early you’re more likely to get any refunds you are owed sooner.

It will also ensure that you don’t miss deadlines and risk financial penalties, and help you to put your attention on running your business without having to worry about filing your tax return.

It’s beneficial when it comes to your financial planning for the year ahead, too.

The sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you’ll know how much you owe – and you’ll have a much longer period to ensure you can pay it. This is especially useful if you have a higher tax bill and need to plan for payments on account.

Remember, just because you submit your tax return early, it doesn’t mean you have to pay early.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government initiative aimed at transforming the tax system by making it more efficient, effective, and easier for taxpayers to get their taxes right.

It involves the digitalisation of tax records and submissions to ensure greater accuracy and compliance.

In April 2019, VAT-registered businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold (it was £85,000 at the time but is now £90,000) were the first to be required to use MTD for VAT returns.

Now, all VAT-registered businesses must use MTD for VAT.

From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000 must follow MTD for Income Tax, and maintain digital records and update HMRC each quarter using MTD compatible software.

From April 2027, this will extend to those with income over £30,000.

Corporation tax is still in the planning stages and is not expected to be implemented before 2026.

Businesses and self-employed individuals following MTD rules are required to keep their financial records in a digital format.

They must use MTD compatible software to record their tax data and submit returns. They can view their tax records, liabilities, and payments through their online account with HMRC.

Final thoughts

Being on top of accounting and payroll means that you have more time to focus on running your business.

Working smarter with payroll software can significantly help in tax and PAYE preparation to make sure you are always ready for deadlines.