If you’re rushing to file your Self Assessment tax return before 31 January, you’re not alone – every year, millions of people leave it to the last minute. But tax deadlines don’t just fall in January, they’re spread across the year.

Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, or run a limited company, staying ahead of the UK’s tax calendar can save you money and headaches – so, when are taxes due?

Read on for our month-by-month guide to when taxes are due, along with key filing and payment dates you need to know.

Key takeaways: When are taxes due in the UK?

  • The deadline to file and pay your Self Assessment tax return online is 31 January 
  • A number of taxes are due quarterly or monthly, depending on your situation
  • The tax year is 6 April to 5 April and most personal tax deadlines are tied to this period
  • Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE each have their own regular schedules
  • Capital Gains Tax on UK property sales often has a separate 60‑day reporting and payment deadline, on top of normal Self Assessment dates.
  • Non-resident landlords must make payments each quarter to HMRC
  • Knowing your dates helps avoid late fees and keeps your finances on track

January

This is a big one. The deadline for filing your online Self Assessment tax return and paying any tax owed is 31 January.

If you’re self-employed or earn untaxed income (e.g. from renting out a property), this applies to you.

You might also need to make your first payment on account for the next tax year, which is effectively a tax prepayment based on last year’s bill.

If you’re VAT registered and your accounting quarter ended on 31 December, your VAT return and payment are due by 7 February, so January is when you’ll be preparing that too.

February

Corporation Tax payments are often due this month, particularly for companies with a 30 April year-end. 

These payments are due nine months and one day after the end of the accounting period.

If you’re an employer, don’t forget your monthly PAYE and National Insurance contributions. These are due by the 22nd of each month when paying electronically.

Contractors in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) must also file their monthly CIS return by the 19th of each month, covering the tax month from the 6th to the 5th.

March

For companies with a 31 March year-end, this is the last month of your financial year – which means it’s time to start thinking about final accounts and Corporation Tax planning.

The quarter also ends for the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme (NRLS) and the NRLS quarter ending 31 March must be reported and any tax withheld paid to HMRC within 30 days, usually by 30 April.

April

The new UK tax year starts on 6 April. While this isn’t a filing deadline, it marks the reset for many allowances and thresholds.

The previous tax year ends on 5 April, which is the date that determines which year your income, gains and allowances fall into for Self Assessment.

If you operate payroll, this is when you’ll process the first payslips for the new tax year and submit your Full Payment Submission (FPS) under Real Time Information (RTI).

May

If your VAT quarter ended on 31 March, your return and payment are due by 7 May.

Those using Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax must also submit their quarterly update by this date.

MTD for income tax Self Assessments will become mandatory:

  • For those with qualifying income over £50,000 from April 2026
  • For those with qualifying income over £30,000 from April 2027

And of course, your usual PAYE/NIC payments are due by the 22nd of the month if paying electronically.

If you’re a CIS contractor, your monthly CIS return for the tax month ending 5 May must reach HMRC by 19 May, with any CIS deductions normally paid by the 22nd if you pay electronically.

June

Another NRLS quarterly deadline comes around in June. Payments are due to HMRC within 30 days after 30 June for tax withheld between April and June.

PAYE obligations continue this month as usual, along with any VAT filings if your business works on different quarters.

July

This month brings another key date for those who file Self Assessment returns. 31 July is the deadline for your second payment on account, if applicable. Not everyone has to make these, but if you do, missing it means interest charges from HMRC.

Also due are your P11D and P11D(b) – forms that report benefits and expenses given to employees. These must reach HMRC by 6 July following the end of the tax year. Class 1A NIC on benefits are due 22 July (if paying electronically) following the end of the tax year.

If your VAT quarter ended in June, expect your return and payment deadline to fall in early August.

Small employers whose total PAYE and NIC bill averages under £1,500 a month can choose to pay PAYE quarterly instead of monthly, with the first quarterly payment (for 6 April–5 July) due by 22 July if paying electronically.

For non-resident landlords, the NRLS annual return NRLY and NRL6 certificates are due by 5 July following the tax year end.

August

If you fall under MTD for Income Tax, your next quarterly update is due by 7 August.

Many businesses will also be preparing VAT returns now, particularly if their quarters ended on 30 June.

The usual PAYE, NIC, and CIS payment cycle applies again. These are due by the 22nd.

September

For non-resident landlords, another quarterly NRLS payment comes around – this time for tax deducted between July and September.

VAT and payroll deadlines carry on as normal, depending on your business’s reporting cycle.

October

If this is your first time filing a Self Assessment tax return, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC by 5 October.

And if you’re still submitting paper tax returns (not online), the deadline is 31 October.

For small employers using the PSA, payment for the tax and National Insurance owed is due by 19 October if you pay by post or 22 October if you pay electronically.

November

November is a relatively quieter month tax-wise, but VAT-registered businesses may need to submit and pay their quarterly return if their period ended on 30 September. That deadline typically falls on 7 November.

MTD quarterly updates are also due now for qualifying individuals.

December

If you’re employed or get a pension, and owe less than £3,000, you can ask HMRC to collect the tax through your payslip.

To do this, file your online Self Assessment by 30 December and HMRC will then adjust your tax code to take small amounts each month from your salary or pension during the next tax year.

The last NRLS quarterly payment of the year is due by 31 December.

CIS contractors must still file their monthly return by 19 December, and PAYE, NIC and CIS payments are due as normal by the 22nd if you pay electronically.

Deadlines by Taxpayer Type

Self-Employed

  • Your main deadlines are 31 January and 31 July – these cover both your tax return and the two payments on account. Note, if you’re wondering how much tax you pay on a second job, we discuss that on our blog.
  • If you’re required to use MTD, you’ll also need to file quarterly updates in May, August, November and February.
  • Contractors in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) must also file their monthly CIS return by the 19th of each month, covering the tax month from the 6th to the 5th.
  • If you dispose of a UK residential property, you may also have to file a standalone CGT on UK property return and pay any CGT within 60 days of completion, separate from your main Self Assessment return.
  • You can have tax of up to £3,000 collected through your PAYE tax code instead of paying it directly, provided you file your online return by 30 December.

If You’re a Landlord or Sold Property Recently

  • Landlords usually follow the same Self Assessment deadlines as the self-employed.
  • If you’re a non-resident landlord, you’ll also need to make NRLS payments to HMRC four times a year. The quarters conclude at the end of March, June, September and December with payment due within 30 days of each quarter end.
  • If you sold a UK residential property in the last couple of months, you may also have a separate Capital Gains Tax deadline. CGT on relevant UK property disposals must usually be reported and paid within 60 days of completion, using a ‘CGT on UK property’ return.

If You Run a Limited Company

  • Company tax deadlines depend on your accounting period. Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after your financial year ends, while your return is due 12 months after that date.
  • Larger companies may have to pay Corporation Tax in quarterly instalments rather than a single payment 9 months and 1 day after year‑end, depending on their profit level and number of associated companies.
  • You’ll also need to submit statutory accounts to Companies House – usually within 9 months of your year-end.
  • In addition, you must file a confirmation statement at Companies House, generally at least once every 12 months, to keep your company’s statutory details up to date.
  • If you’re VAT-registered, your return and payment are usually due 7 days after the end of the second month following the quarter.
  • Some businesses use the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme, where you make advance payments towards your VAT bill during the year and then submit one annual return with a balancing payment.
  • PAYE, NIC and CIS liabilities are due monthly by the 22nd of each month if paying electronically.

FAQs: Tax return deadlines and more

Do I have to pay my tax bill by 31 January?

If you file a Self Assessment tax return, both your tax return and the payment are due by midnight on 31 January. This includes your first payment on account for the new tax year if it’s required.

However, if the extra tax you owe is less than £3,000 and you are paid through PAYE, you can usually choose to have it collected through your tax code instead, as long as you file your return by 30 December.

What is the deadline for paying tax at HMRC?

It depends on what kind of tax you’re paying. Self Assessment is due 31 January. Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after your company’s year-end. VAT and PAYE follow quarterly or monthly cycles, depending on how you report.

What is the date when taxes are due?

There’s no one-size-fits-all date. The most well-known deadline is 31 January, but other taxes, like Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE, have separate due dates depending on your business structure and accounting periods.

On top of this, certain events – such as selling UK residential property – trigger their own deadlines, like the 60‑day CGT reporting and payment requirement.

What happens if I miss a tax deadline?

Missing a deadline can lead to automatic penalties, even if you’re only a day late. For example, Self Assessment late payment penalties start with a £100 fine right away. Interest also starts building on unpaid tax. If you leave it too long, fines increase and HMRC may take enforcement action.

Are VAT deadlines the same for every business?

Not always. Most VAT-registered businesses file quarterly, but some report monthly or use the Annual Accounting Scheme. Deadlines usually fall one calendar month and seven days after the end of your accounting period. Always check your VAT certificate or online account to confirm your due dates.

Summary – When are UK taxes due? Tax return dates and more

Planning around tax filing deadlines isn’t just about avoiding fines – it helps you manage cash flow and keep your business running smoothly.

Whether you’re filing for yourself, handling company taxes, or managing property income, knowing when taxes are due puts you in control.

So, when are tax returns due? Now you know – but need help keeping on top of it all? The team at Accountants East London can make sure you never miss a deadline. Contact us today to keep your tax year stress-free.