What tax deadlines should I know about?

Whether you’re running a business, freelancing, renting out property, or simply managing your own financial affairs, keeping track of tax deadlines is essential. Missing a deadline can lead to penalties, interest, and plenty of unnecessary stress.

The UK tax system has a variety of deadlines depending on whether you are self-employed, a limited company, VAT-registered, or an employer. This guide sets out the key tax deadlines you need to be aware of — and what each one means.

Key Tax Deadlines for Individuals and Sole Traders

1. Self Assessment Tax Return Deadlines

If you’re self-employed, a landlord, or need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for other reasons (like untaxed income), there are two main deadlines:

• 31 October – Paper tax returns deadline.

• 31 January – Online tax returns deadline (following the end of the tax year on 5 April).

The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April each year.

For example, for the 2023/24 tax year (ending 5 April 2024):

• Paper returns must be submitted by 31 October 2024.

• Online returns must be submitted by 31 January 2025.

2. Tax Payment Deadlines

• 31 January – Payment for any tax owed from the previous tax year, plus the first payment on account (if required) for the current tax year.

• 31 July – Second payment on account for the current tax year.

Payments on account apply if your tax bill is over £1,000 and less than 80% of your tax was collected at source (like PAYE). They are advance payments toward your current year’s tax.

Tax Deadlines for Limited Companies

1. Corporation Tax Payment Deadline

• Corporation Tax must be paid 9 months and 1 day after the end of your company’s accounting period.

For example, if your company year ends on 31 March 2024, Corporation Tax must be paid by 1 January 2025.

2. Corporation Tax Return (CT600) Filing Deadline

• The CT600 tax return must be filed within 12 months of the end of your company’s accounting period.

Even if the tax has been paid on time, failing to file the return by the deadline can trigger penalties.

VAT Deadlines

If your business is VAT-registered, VAT returns and payments are usually due:

• 1 calendar month and 7 days after the end of your VAT period.

Most businesses file VAT quarterly, but some opt for monthly or annual VAT schemes.

For example, if your VAT quarter ends on 30 June, your VAT return and payment are due by 7 August.

VAT Special Schemes

• Annual Accounting Scheme: One VAT return per year but with interim payments (either quarterly or monthly).

• Flat Rate Scheme: Same deadlines but simplified VAT calculations.

If you're using Making Tax Digital for VAT, VAT returns must be submitted digitally using compatible software.

PAYE and Payroll Deadlines

If you employ staff, there are key PAYE deadlines to keep in mind:

1. Real Time Information (RTI) Submissions

• Must be submitted on or before each payday — notifying HMRC of payments to employees and deductions.

2. Monthly PAYE Payment Deadlines

• By the 22nd of the following month (if paying electronically).

• By the 19th if paying by post (less common).

For example, PAYE due for salaries paid in June must be paid by 22 July.

3. Quarterly PAYE (if eligible)

• Smaller employers who pay less than £1,500 per month can pay quarterly instead of monthly.

4. Year-End Reporting

• 5 April – End of the payroll year.

• 31 May – Provide P60s to employees.

• 6 July – Submit P11D forms for benefits and expenses.

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Deadlines

For contractors under the CIS:

• Monthly CIS returns are due by the 19th of the month following the tax month.

• Payments for CIS deductions are due alongside PAYE — typically by the 22nd of the following month (if paying electronically).

Making Tax Digital (MTD) Deadlines

• MTD for VAT – Already in effect for all VAT-registered businesses. Deadlines follow the same pattern as standard VAT returns.

• MTD for Income Tax – Starts from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000 (and from April 2027 for those earning between £30,000 and £50,000).

MTD will require quarterly updates rather than annual tax returns, changing the submission rhythm but not the actual payment deadlines (at least for now).

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

Missing tax deadlines can result in:

• Late filing penalties — often starting with fixed fines that escalate the longer the delay continues.

• Interest on late payments — charged daily until the tax is paid.

• Additional penalties — for persistent non-compliance or errors.

For example, a late Self Assessment return leads to an automatic £100 fine, with daily penalties kicking in after three months.

Do Bank Holidays Affect Deadlines?

Generally, tax deadlines falling on a weekend or UK bank holiday roll over to the next working day. However, it's always safer not to rely on this and to submit well in advance.

Conclusion

UK tax deadlines are numerous but predictable. Once you understand the main dates for Self Assessment, VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and CIS, it becomes much easier to stay organised.

Keeping a calendar of these deadlines — and making sure payments and filings are done on time — helps avoid penalties and keeps everything running smoothly with HMRC.