Guide to tax dates for small businesses

Tax compliance isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) imposes penalties and interest charges for late returns and payments, which can create financial uncertainty and disrupt business plans. 

Keeping track of tax dates can enable more accurate financial forecasting, allowing businesses to allocate sufficient funds in advance.

• The UK tax year starts on 6 April each year. 
• It ends on 5 April the following year. 

For example, the 2025/26 tax year runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. 

It is sometimes referred to as the ‘fiscal year’.

VAT returns and payments 

• Quarterly VAT returns: Due within 1 month and 7 days after the end of each VAT quarter. Payment must be received by HMRC by the same deadline.¹  (external link)
• Annual VAT accounting: If using the Annual Accounting Scheme, the annual VAT return is due 2 months after the end of your VAT year. Most businesses must now keep digital VAT records and use VAT return software (external link).² (external link) 

Most businesses use quarterly VAT periods, but monthly returns may also be allowed.³  (external link)

PAYE and National Insurance 

• Monthly PAYE and NI Payments: Due by the 22nd of each month (or the 19th if paying by post).⁴  (external link)
• Full Payment Submissions (FPS): Must be sent to HMRC on or before each payday.⁵ (external link) 
• Employer Payment Summary (EPS): (external link) Must be submitted by the 19th of the following tax month, if applicable.⁶ (external link) 
• P60 (external link): Must be provided to employees by 31 May after the tax year ends.⁷  (external link)
• P11D forms (external link)(for benefits and expenses): Must be submitted by 6 July following the end of the tax year.⁸  (external link)

Corporation Tax 

You can set your own accounting period, which doesn’t have to match the tax year. 

• Corporation Tax (external link): Due 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period. 
• Corporation Tax Return (CT600) (external link): Must be filed within 12 months after the end of your accounting period.9 

For new companies, your accounting period typically begins on the last day of the month that marks the anniversary of your incorporation. For example, if your company was incorporated on 7 November 2025, its first accounting reference date would be 30 November 2026. 

Self Assessment (for sole traders and partnerships) 

• Registration for Self Assessment: (external link) Due by 5 October after the end of the tax year if you need to complete your first tax return. 
• Paper tax returns: Due by 31 October after the tax year ends. 
• Online tax returns: Due by 31 January after the end of the tax year.¹⁰  (external link)

You can visit our blog to find out whether you might need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. 

You might also want to determine whether you qualify as a sole trader or a limited company. 

Tax payment deadlines 

• 31 January: Balancing payment for the previous tax year plus the first payment on your account. 
• 31 July: Second payment on your account.¹¹  (external link)

Other important deadlines 

• Confirmation Statement (external link): Due annually, within 14 days of either the company’s incorporation date or the date of your last confirmation statement.¹² (external link) 
• Annual accounts (external link): Due 9 months after your company’s financial year ends.¹³ (external link) 
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax (external link): Quarterly updates are required from April 2026 for businesses with an annual income of over £50,000.¹⁴  (external link)

What happens if you miss a tax deadline? 

Missing tax deadlines or deliberately giving inaccurate information can have direct financial consequences for businesses. HMRC can impose penalties (external link)and interest for late submissions or payments. 

For example, as of April 2025, penalties for late VAT payments (external link) include: 

• 3% of the tax due if unpaid after 15 days 
• An additional 3% if still unpaid after 30 days 
• 10% per annum interest from 31 days onwards.¹⁵  (external link)

An automatic £100 penalty (external link) can apply if you miss your Self Assessment returns deadline. Most tax obligations have similar penalty structures, and interest charges on outstanding tax debts can add up.¹⁶ (external link) 

Late submissions can also trigger compliance checks or investigations.¹⁷ (external link) In addition, businesses with tax compliance issues may face challenges from banks, credit rating agencies, and suppliers. 

How to stay on top of tax deadlines 

Many small businesses use a combination of systems to manage their tax effectively. 

For example, setting up a dedicated tax calendar with automated reminders is common practice. This might be a physical wall planner for offices or a digital calendar, with alerts 2-4 weeks before each deadline, providing time to prepare. 

Digital tools can streamline tax management for busy small business owners. Accounting software typically includes built-in deadline reminders and can generate reports for tax submissions and other financial requirements. 

MTD compatible software includes, but is not limited to: 

• Sage (200cloud, 50cloud, Business Cloud Accounting, Intact and X3) 
• QuickBooks (Intuit, Bridging Software) 
• Xero 
• AccountsIQ 
• Zoho 
• Workday 
• Tax Systems Limited (AlphaBridge, AlphaVAT). 

You can find a full list of compatible software (external link) for Making Tax Digital at GOV.UK. 

Payment management systems can help prevent last-minute scrambles. Many businesses set up direct debits with HMRC whenever possible, particularly for regular payments such as VAT and PAYE. 

Some small businesses handle routine submissions themselves but consult accountants for quarterly reviews. Others outsource all tax issues, while many find a middle ground by maintaining organised records and consulting professionals for final submissions and planning. 

For small businesses, managing VAT returns, PAYE submissions, Corporation Tax deadlines, and Self-Assessment requirements can help you take control of your finances and avoid costly HMRC inquiries and penalties. If you’re confused about taxes, you can get help from a tax agent or browse HMRC’s helpful tax tools and guides (external link).