The Tax Year
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. So 2024/25 runs from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025.[1]
Key Dates Throughout the Year
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 6 April | New tax year begins |
| 31 May | Employer must give you your P60 for the previous tax year |
| 6 July | Employer must give you your P11D (benefits in kind statement) |
| 31 July | Second payment on account due for Self Assessment |
| 5 October | Deadline to register for Self Assessment if you have a new source of income |
| 31 October | Deadline to file a paper Self Assessment return |
| 30 December | Online filing deadline if you want HMRC to collect tax owed (under £3,000) through your PAYE code |
| 31 January | Online Self Assessment deadline + balancing payment + first payment on account |
| 5 April | End of tax year |
MTD Quarterly Update Deadlines
For those using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax:[2]
| Quarter | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 Apr – 5 Jul | 7 August |
| Q2 | 6 Jul – 5 Oct | 7 November |
| Q3 | 6 Oct – 5 Jan | 7 February |
| Q4 | 6 Jan – 5 Apr | 7 May |
| Final declaration | Full year | 31 January |
CGT on Property: 60-Day Rule
When you sell UK residential property (not your main home), you must report and pay CGT within 60 days of completion.[3]
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline
Late filing and payment penalties apply:[4]
- 1 day late filing: £100 penalty
- 3 months late: £10/day (up to 90 days = £900)
- 6 months late: 5% of tax due or £300 (whichever is higher)
- 30 days late payment: 5% surcharge on outstanding tax
Set reminders: Mark these dates in your calendar at the start of each tax year. If you use accounting software, it will usually remind you automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UK tax year start and end?
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. For example, the 2024/25 tax year runs from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025.
What is the Self Assessment filing deadline?
The deadline for online Self Assessment returns is 31 January following the end of the tax year. Paper returns must be filed by 31 October. Your tax payment is also due by 31 January.
What happens if I file my tax return late?
A £100 penalty applies immediately if you are 1 day late. After 3 months, a further £10 per day is charged (up to 90 days). At 6 months late, 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is higher) is added.
When is the second payment on account due?
The second payment on account for Self Assessment is due by 31 July each year. The first payment on account and balancing payment are due by 31 January.
Further Reading
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Sources
- Self Assessment tax returns — GOV.UK
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — GOV.UK
- Capital Gains Tax: report and pay — GOV.UK
- Self Assessment penalties — GOV.UK