Key Dates for UK Businesses in 2026
At Time Finance, we know how demanding running a successful business can be. It requires careful planning, preparation and staying ahead of what is coming next. That is why we have put together a list of key dates for UK businesses in 2026. From tax filing and payment deadlines to bank holidays and important employer obligations, this guide is designed to help you stay organised and prepared throughout the year.
January: Tax returns and payment deadlines
The first key date for business owners in 2026 is 31 January 2026. By midnight on this date, you must have submitted your online tax return and paid any tax due.
1 January – New Year’s Day Bank Holiday
31 January - File your Self Assessment tax return
Your online Self Assessment tax return for the 2024/25 tax year must be submitted by this date. If you miss the deadline, you will receive an automatic £100 penalty, with further charges if the delay continues.
31 January - Pay your 2024/25 tax bill
Any tax owed for the 2024/25 tax year must be paid by 31 January. This can include Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions, Capital Gains Tax and other charges.
31 January - First payment on account for 2025/26
You will also need to make your first payment on account for the 2025/26 tax year. Payments on account are advance payments towards your next tax bill and are usually based on what you paid in the previous year.
February: Changes to Companies House fees
On the 1 February Companies House will be increasing their digital filing fees.
The updated digital filing fees include:
- Company incorporation online will increase from £50 to £100
- Confirmation statement digital filing will increase from £34 to £50
- Voluntary strike off digital filing will decrease from £33 to £13
March: Spring Statement
The spring statement is expected to take place in March 2026, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. The Chancellor will provide an update on the economy and public finances, and any of the measures announced which could have implications for businesses.
April: New Tax Year and Employer Changes
3 April – Good Friday Bank Holiday
5 April – End of the 2025/26 tax year
The 2025/26 tax year ends on 5 April 2026. This marks the final day of the accounting period for those filing through Self Assessment or aligning accounts to the tax year.
6 April – Start of the 2026/27 tax year
The 2026/27 tax year begins on 6 April 2026 and runs until 5 April 2027.
6 April - Employee payroll records
Update employee payroll records for the new tax year.
6 April – Easter Monday Bank Holiday
6 April – Statutory pay and wage rate changes
The National Minimum Wage rates increase from 1 April 2026 across the UK as follows:
- The apprentice rate increases to £8.00 (from £7.55).
- The rate for workers aged 21 or over (the National Living Wage) increases to £12.71 per hour (previously £12.21).
- The rate for workers aged at least 18 but under 21 increases to £10.85 per hour (from £10.00).
- The rate for workers under 18 the rate increases to £8.00 (from £7.55)
19 April - Full payment summary and Employer payment summary
Submit your final Full Payment Summary and Employer payment summary for the year ended 5 April 2026 and pay any tax/NIC due for the year.
April – Changes to Employers Rights Bill
From April 2026, new worker protections are expected, including:
- Day-one paternity and unpaid parental leave rights
- Expanded statutory sick pay protections
- Launching new independent fair work agency
- Enhanced whistleblower protections
May: Local Elections and P60 Deadline
May – Local elections
Local elections are expected to take place in May 2026. Changes in local leadership can sometimes affect funding, planning or regional business priorities.
4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
31 May – P60 deadline
Employers must issue P60s to all relevant employees for the 2025/26 tax year by 31 May 2026. Limited company directors who receive a salary must also issue themselves a P60.
June: New Fuel Rates
June 1st - New Advisory Fuel Rates
New Advisory Fuel Rates (AFR) for company cars come into effect – update mileage and expenses policies.
July: Tax Payments and Summer Planning
Late July – School summer holidays begin
School holidays typically begin towards the end of July. Businesses may need to plan ahead for staff holidays and reduced availability.
31 July – Second payment on account due
The second payment on account for the 2025/26 tax year is due by 31 July 2026.
August and September: Bank Holidays and Business Events
31 August – Summer Bank Holiday
Date TBC – Business Finance Week
The British Business Bank usually hosts Business Finance Week in September. This includes free online and in-person events designed to help businesses understand the funding options available to them.
October: HMRC Deadlines and Autumn Budget
5 October – Self Assessment registration deadline
If you started trading in the 2025/26 tax year and are not yet registered for Self Assessment, you must notify HMRC by 5 October 2026.
5 October – Partnership notification deadline
New partnerships or partners formed during the 2025/26 tax year must also be reported to HMRC by this date.
October – Autumn Budget
The Autumn Budget is usually delivered in the second half of October, although the exact date for 2026 has not yet been confirmed. Any changes announced could impact tax, funding or employer costs.
November and December: Retail Peaks and Year-End Preparation
27 November – Black Friday
Black Friday is typically the busiest online shopping day of the year, followed by Cyber Monday on 30 November 2026.
25 & 26 December – Christmas Bank Holidays
The quieter festive period in December is a great time to prepare for the year ahead. Many businesses use this time to organise records, review finances and gather documents in advance of the January Self Assessment deadline.
Summary
2026 is set to be another busy year for UK businesses, with key tax deadlines, employer responsibilities and potential policy changes to prepare for. Keeping track of important dates can help reduce stress and avoid penalties.
To help manage cash flow and support growth throughout the year, take a look at our flexible finance solutions, including Invoice Finance, Asset Finance, Secured Loans and Multi-Product Solutions. To find out how we can support your business, get in touch with our team today.