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Deadlines

Key tax dates for 2026/27 (UK)

The main UK tax-year milestones to keep on your radar, plus simple reminders that reduce last-minute stress.

Deadlines Self Assessment Vat Cis Payroll

Published 6 February 2026

Key tax dates for 2026/27 (UK)

Deadlines have a habit of sneaking up when you’re busy running the business. A simple calendar (with a couple of “nudge” reminders) can take the panic out of tax and keep your bookkeeping calm.

Below are the key UK dates around the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027), plus a few practical habits that make the deadlines easier.

The tax year at a glance

  • Tax year starts: 6 April 2026
  • Tax year ends: 5 April 2027

If you’re a sole trader or landlord, your Self Assessment is based on this tax-year window (not the calendar year).

Self Assessment: the big milestones

These dates depend on the tax year you’re filing for, so here are the ones people most commonly want — with the 2026/27-specific ones called out.

Filing and payment dates you’ll hear most often

  • 31 January — usually the headline date:

    • Online Self Assessment filing deadline for the previous tax year
    • Balancing payment for the previous tax year
    • First payment on account for the current tax year (if payments on account apply)

  • 31 July — the “easy to forget” one:

    • Second payment on account for the current tax year (if payments on account apply)

Dates for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027)

If you’re filing a Self Assessment return for the 2026/27 tax year, the common milestones are:

  • 5 October 2027 — a common deadline to register for Self Assessment if you need to file for 2026/27 for the first time.
  • 31 October 2027 — paper return deadline (if you file on paper).
  • 31 January 2028 — online return deadline for 2026/27, and the date balancing payments and (where relevant) payments on account are commonly due.

If those dates look uncomfortably far away, that’s the point: you’ve got time to set up a tidy rhythm now.

Registration deadline (new to Self Assessment)

If you’ve started self-employment (or a new source of income) and need to file a return for the first time, there’s often a deadline to register for Self Assessment (commonly 5 October after the end of the tax year you need to report). If you’re unsure whether you need to register, it’s worth checking early rather than leaving it to winter.

VAT: typical deadlines

VAT deadlines vary by your VAT quarters/scheme, but a common pattern is:

  • VAT return and payment due: often 1 month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period
  • Direct Debit timings: can be different (so don’t assume the same date)

Practical tip: put a reminder in for one week after your VAT quarter end to reconcile and check coding. That way you’re not doing everything right before the filing deadline.

CIS: monthly rhythm

If you’re operating under the Construction Industry Scheme:

  • CIS is typically a monthly cycle (deductions, verification, statements, and reporting)
  • There’s usually a monthly return deadline and a separate payment deadline (depending on how you operate PAYE)

Because CIS is frequent, a short monthly checklist is usually more helpful than one giant “end of year” push.

Payroll (PAYE): keep it aligned to payday

Payroll reporting is often tied to when you pay staff, not just the month end. The key habit is consistency:

  • Run payroll on a repeatable schedule
  • Keep pay dates, pension steps, and records in one place
  • Flag any changes (new starter, leaver, pay rise) before processing day

A simple reminder system (that works in real life)

If you only do three things, do these:

  1. Add the “big” dates (31 January, 31 July, VAT quarters, CIS cycle) to your calendar.
  2. Add a two-week warning reminder for each (so you have time to chase missing info).
  3. Add a one-week warning reminder for each (to do the final checks).

If you want it even simpler: set a monthly “finance admin” slot (e.g., first Monday) so nothing builds up.

When to get help

It’s worth speaking to a bookkeeper/accountant if:

  • you’re filing Self Assessment for the first time
  • you’ve moved into VAT (or are getting close)
  • CIS deductions don’t match what you expected
  • you’re regularly doing bookkeeping “after the fact” (and it’s stressful)

Disclaimer

This article is general information, not tax advice. Deadlines and rules can change and may depend on your circumstances (including VAT scheme, CIS setup, and whether payments on account apply). If you’re unsure, check the latest HMRC guidance or get tailored advice.

Want a calmer deadline calendar? ClearMethods can help you set up a simple monthly process so your records are ready well before the due dates.

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