2026: Key dates for your diary
As 2025 comes to a close it’s time to look ahead to the new year. Here are some key dates for your new diary. And don’t forget we’re here at WNJ to help you with any advice or support you may need in the next 12 months. Please call us on 01772 430000 to discuss any issues raised.
January
January 1:
The new energy price cap will kick in. Most households who pay for energy will see bills their bills rise by 0.2 per cent
January 31:
The online filing date for Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024/25 tax year is midnight – as is any balancing payment
April
April 1:
The National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates announced in November will come into effect.
• NLW (for those aged 21 or over) will increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour
• NMW (for those aged 18 – 20) will increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour
• NMW (for those aged 16 and 17 and apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship) will increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour
April 1:
The energy price cap for the second quarter of the year will come into effect covering the period April 1 to June 30.
April 5:
The end of the UK Personal Tax Year (2025/26) and the deadline for ISA/pension allowances.
April 6:
The start of the new tax year (2026/27). Crucially Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Self Assessment begins for sole traders and landlords with an income of more than £50,000. Quarterly returns will have to be made.
Tax rates for dividends increase by 2% to:
Basic Rate Band 10.75%
Higher Rate Band 35.75%
Additional Rate Band 39.35%
The tax-free dividend allowance remains at £500
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rate increases from 14% to 18%
Inheritance Tax (IHT): The £1 million allowance for 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will become transferable to a surviving spouse or civil partner, even if the first death occurred before this date.
May
May 31: P60 deadline, Employers must provide P60 forms to all employees who were on payroll on April 5, 2026.
They need to ensure the totals match what was sent via RTI during the year. If providing digital P60s, verify employee access and retain evidence of issue for audit purposes.
July
July 6
Employers must Submit P11D (expenses and benefits) and P11D(b) (declaration for Class 1A National Insurance). Even if you have moved to payrolling benefits, check which items still require reporting. Provide employees with copies so they can keep their personal records current.
July 19-22:
Pay Class 1A National Insurance on benefits for 2025–26 by 19 July (post) or 22 July (electronic). Schedule the payment when you submit P11D(b) to avoid last-minute issues.
July 31:
For those who file a Self Assessment tax return, this is deadline for many people to pay their second payment on account for the 2025/26 tax year.
August
August 7:
If you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD) this is the date to submit a quarterly update.
October
October 5:
If you need to register for Self Assessment for the 2025/26 tax year, today is the deadline.
October 31:
The deadline to file a paper Self Assessment tax return for 2025-26.
November
November 7:
It is time to submit another quarterly update, if you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD).
December
December 30.
This is the deadline to submit your tax return online.
Other dates and deadlines
For many companies Corporation Tax is due for payment nine months and one day after the end of their accounting period. Set reminders tied to your financial year end and align cash-flow plans accordingly.
VAT returns and payments are usually due one calendar month and seven days after a company’s VAT period ends.
File your Company Tax Return 12 months after your accounting period ends.
File your annual accounts with Companies House nine months after your accounting reference date.
And file a confirmation statement within 14 days of your review period ending
