UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27 | The Complete Calendar

Whether you are a self-employed individual, landlord, or simply complete a Self Assessment tax return each year, you must know the UK tax deadlines 2026/27, when taxes must be paid, and returns must be filed.

The 2026/27 personal tax year runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027, and it brings a full set of obligations that you must meet. Staying ahead of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) compliance is important to avoid unnecessary penalties and interest charges.

This blog explains the HMRC Tax Deadlines 2026/27 that individuals, businesses, and taxpayers need to know. It also covers the most important filing and payment dates, who they apply to, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

When Does the UK Tax Year Start and End?

In the UK, the tax year starts on 6 April and ends on 5 April the following year. So the UK tax deadlines 2026/27 run from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. During the tax year, Income Tax is calculated and applied to individuals. For people completing a Self Assessment tax return, they must report their income and calculate any tax due for that tax year.

However, when it comes to limited companies, they do not use the personal tax year. They use their own financial year and accounting period to pay Corporation Tax. This accounting period is usually the same as their financial year for annual accounts.

Why are UK Tax Deadlines Important?

HMRC publishes statutory filing and payment deadlines every year. Missing these deadlines can result in unnecessary penalties, interest charges, or both. While this guide summarises the key UK tax deadlines 2026/27, taxpayers should always refer to HMRC guidance where their circumstances are more complex.

You may face late filing penalties, interest on unpaid tax, and additional daily penalties for continued delays. Therefore, it is important to know and follow the UK tax calendar 2026/27. This can help you remain compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties and financial pressure.

What are the Key UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27?

The table below highlights the important tax year 2026 and 2027 dates.

Deadlines	Action
6 April 2026	Start of the 2026/27 UK tax year. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax becomes mandatory from 6 April 2026 for many sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income exceeds £50,000.
31 July 2026	Second Payment on Account for the 2025/26 tax year (if applicable).
7 August 2026	First quarterly MTD update due.
5 October 2026	Register for Self Assessment (if submitting a return for the first time)
31 October 2026	Submit a paper Self Assessment tax return.
7 November 2026	Second MTD quarterly update due
31 January 2027	Online Self Assessment tax return and payment of any tax due for 2025/26. First Payment on Account for 2026/27 may also be due.
7 February 2027	Third MTD quarterly update due.
5 April 2027	End of the 2026/27 tax year.

Note: the deadlines for MTD are for businesses using HMRC’s standard quarterly update periods.

How is Self Assessment Changing From April 2026?

One of the biggest changes to UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27 is the introduction of MTD for Income Tax. From 6 April 2026, MTD applies to landlords and sole traders with qualifying income exceeding £50,000 for the 2024/25 tax year.

Those whose qualifying income exceeds the threshold must keep digital records, send quarterly updates to HMRC, and use MTD-compatible software to complete and submit their tax return.

Additionally, it is important to check whether your combined gross income from self-employment and UK property, before expenses, is more than the qualifying income threshold.

As part of UK tax deadlines 2026/27, it is crucial to know that the qualifying income threshold will reduce to more than £30,000 from 6 April 2027. And from 6 April 2028, it will reduce to more than £20,000. This means more taxpayers will be required to join MTD in future years.

What are the Making Tax Digital (MTD) Deadlines 2026?

As mentioned, from 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 need to comply with MTD for Income Tax. The first quarterly submission is due on 7 August 2026. The second MTD quarterly update is due on 7 November 2026, whereas the third MTD quarterly update is due on 7 February 2027.

What are the Key Self Assessment Tax Deadlines 2026/27?

Self-assessment tax returns are an essential part of UK tax deadlines 2026/27. The deadlines for registering and submitting a Self Assessment tax return are in the table below:

Deadlines	Action
5 October 2027	Register for Self Assessment
31 October 2027	Submit paper tax return for 2026/27
31 January 2028	Submit an online tax return for 2026/27
31 January 2028	Pay your 2026/27 tax bill and first payment on account for 2027/28
31 July 2028	Second payment on account for 2027/28

Disclaimer: These deadlines are for the 2026 and 2027 tax year. Tax legislation and deadlines may change. Always check the latest guidance from HMRC.

What are the Corporation Tax Deadlines UK?

The UK tax deadlines 2026/27 for limited companies are not the same as Self Assessment. Corporation tax and accounts deadlines do not follow the 6 April tax year. Instead, they depend on your company’s own Corporation Tax accounting period. Therefore, every company’s deadlines are different.

Generally, Corporation Tax is payable 9 months and 1 day after the end of your company’s accounting period. Moreover, your Corporation Tax Return is normally due 12 months after the accounting period ends. So, the exact dates depend on your company’s financial year-end.

What are the Important VAT Return Deadlines UK?

UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27 also include VAT filing and payment obligations for VAT-registered businesses. If you are a VAT-registered business, you must submit VAT returns and pay any VAT due based on your assigned VAT accounting periods.

Mostly, you need to file VAT returns every three months, submit VAT returns electronically and pay VAT by the relevant deadline. In addition, you must meet the submission and payment deadlines shown in your HMRC online account.

If you miss a VAT filing or payment deadline, it can lead to penalties under HMRC’s late submission and late payment penalty regimes.

What are the PAYE and Payroll Deadlines?

If a business operates Pay As You Earn (PAYE), these UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27 apply:

Deadlines	Action
On or before each payday	Submit a Full Payment Submission (FPS).
By the 19th of the following tax month	Submit an Employer Payment Summary (EPS) (if required).
By the 22nd of the following tax month	Pay PAYE and National Insurance electronically.
By 31 May 2027	Give employees their P60.
By 6 July 2027	Submit P11D forms (if required).

What Happens If I Miss a Tax Deadline?

If you miss the UK tax deadlines 2026/27, it can result in penalties, interest charges, and additional compliance issues. The penalties depend on the type of tax and how late you are.

Self Assessment Deadlines

For Self Assessment, if you miss the online filing deadline (31 January), you will usually receive penalties based on time. An immediate £100 fixed late filing penalty is charged for being one day late. You receive this penalty even if you have no tax to pay or have already paid the tax owed.

Moreover, if your return is late for more than three months, daily penalties of £10 per day (up to 90 days) may apply. If it remains outstanding after six or twelve months, additional penalties may apply. Also, HMRC charges late payment interest and sometimes late payment penalties depending on the tax type.

VAT and MTD Deadlines

If you miss PAYE, MTD, or VAT deadlines, HMRC may charge late payment penalties, interest, or apply penalty points, depending on your compliance history and the tax involved. MTD and VAT use a points-based system for late submissions with separate financial penalties for late payments.

Visit the official HMRC website for more details on penalties.

What are the Tips to Never Miss UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27?

You can avoid missing HMRC tax deadlines by keeping track of tax dates. You can keep track of dates by marking important dates in your calendar. Keep financial records up to date and file your tax return early. You should also submit your return early, as it gives you more time to budget for any tax you owe and reduces the risk of last-minute problems.

Additionally, you should set aside money regularly for tax payments and use HMRC-approved accounting software if required. If tax affairs are more complex, it is better to work with a qualified accountant.

Final Thoughts

One of the easiest ways to stay compliant with HMRC and avoid costly penalties is to understand the UK Tax Deadlines 2026/27. Whether you are completing a Self Assessment tax return or paying tax through Payments on Account, knowing the important dates allows you to manage your finances with confidence.

If you have complicated tax matters and are unsure which deadlines apply to your situation, get professional help. AccountingFirms helps you find the best accountant who can help ensure your returns are filed accurately and on time.

We have a user-friendly platform where you can browse accountants by location, software, industry, and qualification, and then select the accountant that best suits your business.