The UK fiscal year typically ends on the 5th of April each year, starting again the following day (April 6th). This is known as the personal tax year, and it is most relevant to individuals and sole traders who need to have their income and expenses sorted and ready to send to HMRC. 

Some personal investments, like ISAs, also follow the tax year, so any allowances you have will end and reset accordingly too. There will also be some key pay reforms and changes to wages taking place from the 6th of April that are worth knowing about, too.

The Knowledge Round-Up

  • The end of the tax year in the UK is 5th April each year

  • The start of the UK tax year begins on 6th April

  • The UK tax year runs for 12 months (April to April)

  • Key deadlines include self-assessment tax return dates and payment deadlines

  • Missing deadlines could result in penalties, so it’s important to stay organised

When is the Start of the UK Tax Year?

The start of the UK tax year is always the 6th of April. From this date, a new financial period begins, and your income and expenses will be counted towards the next tax cycle.

This system dates back centuries and is linked to the old Julian calendar, which is why the UK tax year doesn’t follow the standard January to December calendar year.

For most people, this means:

  • Your earnings from the 6th of April 2026 onwards fall into the new tax year

  • Anything before that date belongs to the previous tax year

Tax Dates to Know 2026/2027

Staying on top of tax year dates can help you avoid penalties and keep your finances running smoothly.

Date

Importance

Who it applies to

Actions needed

5th April

End of the tax year

Individuals & Employers

Finalise income and expenses for the tax year

6th April

Start of the tax year

Individuals & Employers

Begin tracking new income and allowances

31st May

P60 sent to employees

Employers

Provide employees with an annual earnings summary

5th October

Register for self-assessment

Individuals & Self-employed

Sign up for HMRC if needed

31st October

Self-assessment return date (paper)

Individuals & Self-employed

Submit tax return on paper

31st January

Self-assessment return date (digital)

Individuals & Self-employed

Submit digital tax return

Why Do Tax Year Dates Matter?

It’s easy to overlook deadlines, but the end of the UK financial year plays a big role in how your finances are assessed. If you’re employed, most of this is handled automatically through PAYE. But if you’re self-employed or have additional income, you’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses carefully.

Missing a key payment deadline or filing your return late could lead to:

  • Fines or interest charges

  • Extra stress when dealing with HMRC

  • Delays in processing your tax return

What Happens at the End of the Tax Year?

As the British tax year-end approaches, it’s a good time to review your finances and make sure everything is in order. For many people, it’s also a chance to plan ahead and make smart financial decisions for the year ahead.

You might want to:

  • Check your total earnings from the previous tax year

  • Make use of any remaining allowances before they reset

  • Prepare documents for your self-assessment tax return

  • Review your savings, including ISAs

Do Limited Companies Follow the Same Tax Year?

Not always. While individuals follow the April-to-April tax year, limited companies usually follow their own accounting period, which can be set when the business is created. If you run a business, it’s important to keep track of both your personal and company obligations.

This means:

  • Your corporation tax deadlines may be different

  • Your financial year could end at a different time

  • You’ll still need to submit accounts and tax returns based on your company’s timeline

How to Stay on Top of Your Tax Deadline

Keeping track of your key dates doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can help you stay organised and avoid penalties.

  • Set reminders for important dates like 31st January

  • Keep records of your income and expenses throughout the year

  • Plan ahead for tax payments and payments on account

  • Consider speaking to an accountant or tax adviser if needed.

See Where You Stand Before the New Tax Year

As the new tax year begins in April 2026, it’s a great opportunity to take stock of your finances. Understanding your credit profile can also be helpful, especially if you’re planning to borrow, invest or make big financial decisions in the year ahead.

With CreditKnowledge you can:

  • Check your credit score and report for free

  • Get insights into your financial position

  • Take steps to improve your overall financial health

Start the new tax year with confidence and stay one step ahead.

Access Your Free Credit Report

Related Guides

Explore related topics to further build your financial knowledge:

Average Pocket Money by Age in the UK

What Is a Prepaid Travel Card?

What is a Credit Report and How Can I Access It?

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Editorial Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. It is not intended to provide personalised recommendations or guarantees of any outcome, including changes to your credit score or approval decisions from lenders. Credit scoring models and lending decisions vary between providers and are based on a range of factors.

This content reflects general information at the time of publication and is not endorsed by any bank, lender, or financial institution. You should always consider your own circumstances and, where appropriate, seek independent financial advice before making financial decisions. Nothing in this content should be interpreted as a recommendation to take, or refrain from taking, any specific financial action.

Page Last Reviewed: 31.05.2026