Helpful bits

Key Accounting Dates for UK Sole Traders & Limited Companies (2025 Edition)

Staying ahead of your financial responsibilities is key to running a smooth and stress-free business. Whether you're a sole trader or a limited company director, knowing your deadlines and preparing the right documents in advance can help you avoid penalties and keep HMRC happy.

At HMJ Finance, we've created this comprehensive list of UK tax and accounting deadlines to guide you through the year. Bookmark this page or download our free PDF for easy reference!

Self Assessment Deadlines (Sole Traders & Individuals)

5 October 2025 – Register for Self Assessment
If you’re newly self-employed or received untaxed income (freelance work, side hustles, property income), you must register with HMRC by this date.
What you’ll need: Your National Insurance number, business start date, and personal details. Register online via HMRC.

31 October 2025 – Paper Tax Return Deadline
If you choose to submit your Self Assessment via post, this is your final date.
Preparation: Gather all invoices, receipts, bank statements, and mileage logs for the previous tax year (6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025).

31 January 2026 – Online Tax Return Deadline & Payment
This is the big one. Submit your online tax return and pay any tax owed.
Top tip: HMRC interest charges start after this date for unpaid tax. File early to spread the cost.

Payments on Account (Sole Traders)

31 January 2026 – First Payment on Account
If your tax bill is over £1,000, HMRC expects you to pre-pay part of next year’s tax.
What to pay: Usually 50% of your previous year’s tax bill. You can adjust this if your income is dropping.

31 July 2026 – Second Payment on Account
This second instalment covers the rest of your advance tax payment for the 2025/26 tax year.

Limited Company Deadlines

Company Year-End (varies by company)
Your financial year-end depends on your incorporation date. It’s typically 12 months after registration.

9 Months After Year-End – File Accounts with Companies House
You must file your statutory accounts, even if your company is dormant.
Preparation: Profit & loss statement, balance sheet, director’s report, and any accountant-prepared files.

9 Months + 1 Day After Year-End – Pay Corporation Tax
Even if no tax is due, HMRC expects this payment or notification.
Documents: CT600 Company Tax Return and corporation tax calculations.

12 Months After Year-End – Submit CT600 to HMRC
Your corporation tax return (CT600) must be submitted online.
What’s needed: Final accounts, UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference), and breakdown of expenses/income.

VAT-Registered Businesses

Quarterly VAT Returns – Every 3 Months
Deadlines depend on your VAT stagger group (e.g., Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, etc.). You usually have 1 month + 7 days after each quarter to submit and pay.
Prep includes: Sales and purchase invoices, bank records, and digital records via MTD-compliant software like Xero or QuickBooks.

PAYE & Payroll

Monthly PAYE Filing – On or Before Employee Payday
You must report PAYE information (via Full Payment Submission) every time you pay staff.
Set reminders: HMRC expects RTI (Real-Time Information) filing before the actual payment date.

22nd of Each Month – PAYE/NIC Payment Due
Make sure all employee deductions (tax, NI, pensions) are paid by this date to avoid interest.

Other Key Deadlines

31 May – Give Employees Their P60s
Summarises total pay and deductions for the tax year.

What to do: Ensure your payroll software can generate this or ask your accountant.

6 July – P11D Filing (Benefits in Kind)
If you provide company cars, health insurance, or other perks, report these by 6 July.
Documents needed: Employee benefit records and expense reports.

19 July – Class 1A NIC on Benefits Due
This is the payment deadline for National Insurance on any benefits reported on the P11D.

Tips to Stay Organised

• Use cloud accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage to stay on top of records.

• Keep a monthly checklist of your business tasks (invoicing, receipts, mileage, etc.).

• Set calendar reminders for each HMRC deadline.

• Speak to an accountant before your year-end to make sure you’re tax-efficient.