Diary these dates so nothing is missed.
Deadlines for companies depend on your year end, so ask us if you are unsure of yours.
| Date | What is due |
|---|---|
| 5 October | Tell HMRC you need to file a Self Assessment return if you have not filed one before. |
| 31 October | Paper Self Assessment return deadline for the previous tax year. |
| 31 January | Online Self Assessment return deadline, balancing payment and first payment on account. |
| 31 July | Second payment on account. |
| 5 April | End of the tax year. Use your allowances before then. |
| 6 April | Start of the new tax year. |
Applies to self-employed people and landlords, based on gross income (not profit) from self-employment and property.
Penalties for late Self Assessment returns begin the day after the deadline, so file early where you can.
This page is general guidance, not personal advice. Rules and rates change, so please contact us to discuss your own circumstances. Last checked: October 2026.
Key UK rates and allowances for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027).
| Income tax (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal allowance: up to £12,570 | 0% |
| Basic rate: £12,571 to £50,270 | 20% |
| Higher rate: £50,271 to £125,140 | 40% |
| Additional rate: over £125,140 | 45% |
The allowance reduces by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income above £100,000, and is lost completely at £125,140. Scotland has its own income tax bands.
| Other key figures | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Dividend allowance | £500 |
| Corporation tax, profits up to £50,000 | 19% |
| Corporation tax, profits over £250,000 | 25% (marginal relief between £50,000 and £250,000) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover |
| VAT standard rate | 20% |
| Capital gains tax annual exempt amount | £3,000 |
| ISA allowance | £20,000 |
| Pension annual allowance | £60,000 |
This page is general guidance, not personal advice. Rules and rates change, so please contact us to discuss your own circumstances. Last checked: October 2026.
Simple habits that make tax time easier and keep the cost down.
Record income and expenses as they happen rather than at year end.
It saves time and is essential for Making Tax Digital.
Move part of each payment you receive into a separate account.
A common rule of thumb is 20 to 30 percent, but the right figure depends on your profits and structure.
As profits grow, check whether a sole trader or a limited company is still the most suitable arrangement.
You find out what you owe sooner, have time to plan the payment, and avoid late-filing penalties.
Keep receipts and records for business costs so that you claim everything you are entitled to.
Personal allowance, ISA, pension contributions and the capital gains exempt amount are generally use-it-or-lose-it each year.
Contact HMRC or us early.
You may be able to arrange a payment plan, and early contact is usually better received than late contact.
This page is general guidance, not personal advice.
Rules and rates change, so please contact us to discuss your own circumstances. Last checked: October 2026.
Official guidance and trusted sources and open in a new tab.
We are here to help you understand the Government website pages.
Registering, filing and paying your Self Assessment.
A quick tool to see whether you need to file.
HMRC guidance on quarterly updates and software.
Independent guidance on start dates and thresholds.
Current bands and allowances.
Thresholds and how to register.
Rates, marginal relief and allowable costs.
Filing accounts and confirmation statements, and identity verification.
Payment plans for tax you cannot pay in full.
Auto-enrolment duties for employers.
External sites are not run by A2G and we are not responsible for their content.
It is your responsibility to check all figures and dates.