UK Tax Return Deadlines 2025

Quick Summary of Key 2025 Dates:

PAYE Key Tax Dates (2025/26)

• End of the last tax year and deadline for claiming PAYE tax refund for the 2020/21 tax year: 5 April 2025
• First day of the new tax year (2025/26): 6 April 2025
• Copies of 2024/25 P60 documents must be issued to employees: 31 May 2025
• Copies of 2024/25 P11D documents must be issued to employees and last date for agreeing PAYE settlement agreements for 2024/25 (if applicable): 6 July 2025
• Deadline for paying Class 1A National Insurance Contributions on benefits provided to employees (e.g., private medical insurance): 22 July 2025
• Second Income Tax and National Insurance payment on account deadline: 31 July 2025

Self-Assessment Key Tax Dates (2025/26)

• Deadline for claiming tax overpaid for the 2020/21 tax year under Self Assessment: 5 April 2025
• First day of the new tax year (2025/26) and time to gather detailed documents for your 2024/25 tax return: 6 April 2025
• Deadline for second payment on account for the income tax year ending 5 April 2025: 31 July 2025
• Deadline to register with HMRC if you became self-employed or started receiving income from property (Form CWF1 for self-employment, Form SA1 for non-self-employed income): 5 October 2025
• Deadline for paper Self Assessment returns for the 2024/25 tax year: 31 October 2025 (midnight)
• Deadline for online submission of Self Assessment tax returns for year ending 5 April 2025 for HMRC to collect employment or pension income tax through PAYE tax codes if less than £3,000 is owed: 30 December 2025
• Deadline for filing your company’s annual accounts if you have a limited company with an accounting year-end of 31 March: 31 December 2025
• Deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024/25 tax year and for paying tax bill for the tax year ending 5 April 2025: 31 January 2026 (midnight)
• End of tax year 2025/26: 5 April 2026

Managing tax obligations is essential for all UK businesses and individuals who earn income outside the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system.

Whether you’re self-employed, running a limited company, or managing payroll, understanding your responsibilities and deadlines for 2025 can help you avoid costly penalties and stay financially organised.

Here’s your complete guide to the key UK tax return deadlines and obligations in 2025, clearly broken down by type of taxpayer.

Self-Assessment Deadlines for 2025

Who Needs to File? Self Assessment applies to individuals who earn income not automatically taxed, such as:

• Self-employed individuals (sole traders, freelancers, contractors).
• People who earn income from rental property.
• Those earning more than £10,000 from savings, investments, or dividends.
• High earners liable for the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
• Individuals receiving income from abroad.

Important Self-Assessment Dates for 2025:

• 31 January 2025
  • The deadline for filing your online self-assessment tax return for the 2023/24 tax year (covering income earned from 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024).
  • Deadline for paying the balance of tax owed for 2023/24.
  • First payment on account for the 2024/25 tax year, if applicable (typically if your tax bill is over £1,000).

Why is this date important?

Missing this date triggers immediate penalties: a £100 fine and interest charges on late payments.

Additional deadlines:

• 5 April 2025: End of the 2024/25 tax year. Ensure all income and expenses are accurately recorded.
• 31 July 2025: Second payment on account due for 2024/25.
• 5 October 2025: Deadline for first-time Self Assessment filers to register with HMRC.
• 31 October 2025: Deadline for submitting paper tax returns for the 2024/25 tax year.
• 30 December 2025: Final date for online submissions (if you want unpaid tax under £3,000 collected via your PAYE code).

Limited Companies: Corporation Tax Deadlines in 2025

Limited companies have separate tax obligations from individuals, including submitting annual accounts and paying corporation tax.

Who needs to comply?

All incorporated limited companies, regardless of size or trading activity.

Important Corporation Tax Dates:

• Annual Accounts: Must be submitted to Companies House within 9 months of your financial year-end.
• Corporation Tax Payment: Due within 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period.
• Company Tax Return (CT600): Due within 12 months after your company’s financial year-end.

Example:

If your company’s financial year ends on 31 March 2025:

• Submit annual accounts by 31 December 2025.
• Pay corporation tax by 1 January 2026.
• File CT600 Company Tax Return by 31 March 2026.

Confirmation Statement:

All companies must file an annual confirmation statement with Companies House:

• Due within 14 days after each 12-month review period (usually your incorporation date anniversary).

VAT Deadlines in 2025

Who Needs to Pay VAT?

Businesses with an annual turnover over £90,000 must register for VAT. Below this, VAT registration is optional.

Important VAT dates:

• VAT returns and payments are typically due quarterly.
• Each VAT return and payment must be submitted to HMRC within 1 month and 7 days after each VAT quarter ends.

Example Quarterly Deadlines:

• Quarter ending 31 March 2025: Deadline is 7 May 2025.
• Quarter ending 30 June 2025: Deadline is 7 August 2025.
• Quarter ending 30 September 2025: Deadline is 7 November 2025.
• Quarter ending 31 December 2025: Deadline is 7 February 2026.

Most businesses now follow Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT and must use compatible software to submit returns digitally.

Payroll, PAYE and National Insurance Contributions (NICs)

Who needs to comply?

If your business employs staff (including directors of limited companies), you have obligations to submit payroll data and remit PAYE and NIC payments regularly.

Important 2025 Payroll Dates:

• Monthly Payroll Payments: PAYE, NICs, and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) payments are due monthly:
  • Postal payments: 19th of each month.
  • Electronic payments: 22nd of each month.

Annual Payroll Deadlines:

• 19 April 2025: Deadline for submitting the final payroll report (FPS) for the tax year 2024/25.
• 31 May 2025: Deadline for giving P60 forms to employees for the tax year 2024/25.
• 6 July 2025: Deadline for submitting P11D and P11D(b) forms, reporting employee expenses and benefits provided in 2024/25.
• 19 or 22 July 2025: Deadline for paying Class 1A NICs on employee expenses and benefits (19 July by post; 22 July electronically).

Penalties for Missing Deadlines

Late filings and payments can result in significant penalties and interest charges:

Self Assessment Penalties:

• 1 day late: automatic £100 penalty.
• Over 3 months late: daily penalties of £10 per day, up to £900.
• Over 6 months late: Additional £300 penalty or 5% of tax owed, whichever is greater.
• Over 12 months late: Another £300 penalty or 5% of tax owed, whichever is higher.

Late tax payments incur an immediate interest charge. Additional 5% penalties apply after 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months of unpaid taxes.

Corporation Tax:

Late submission to Companies House starts at £150 and rises rapidly, reaching up to £1,500 for delays over 6 months.

VAT:

Late VAT returns and payments accumulate penalty points and interest, which can escalate quickly.

What to do if you miss a deadline?

Contact HMRC immediately to discuss a payment plan or, if exceptional circumstances prevent timely submission, seek guidance or apply for an extension (for limited companies via Companies House).

Who Needs to File a Self-Assessment Tax Return?

Self Assessment is a method used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to collect Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from individuals whose income isn’t automatically taxed through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.

Typically, you’ll need to file a Self Assessment tax return if you’re self-employed (earning over £1,000 annually), have rental income, or earn additional untaxed income from sources such as investments or overseas income. Additionally, individuals earning more than £50,000 who receive Child Benefit must complete a return to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

How Do You Register for Self Assessment?

If you’re new to self-assessment, you must first register with HMRC. The deadline to register for the 2024/25 tax year is 5 October 2025. Registration involves completing an online form on HMRC’s website, after which you’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

HMRC typically takes around 10 working days to send your UTR by post. Once you have your UTR, you can create your online self-assessment account to file returns electronically. It’s advisable to register early to avoid delays and potential penalties.

Benefits of Filing Your Self-Assessment Tax Return Early

Submitting your Self Assessment tax return early offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides clarity on your financial obligations, giving you ample time to plan and budget for any tax due. It can reduce stress, avoiding the last-minute rush that often leads to mistakes or missed opportunities to claim allowable expenses, potentially lowering your overall tax bill.

Early filing can also accelerate the repayment of any tax refunds owed, ensuring you receive your money sooner. Finally, an early submission allows more flexibility to manage cash flow and make necessary arrangements if you have a larger-than-expected tax bill.

Understanding Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT in 2025

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government initiative designed to streamline and simplify tax processes by requiring businesses to maintain digital financial records and submit returns electronically.

Since April 2022, all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover, have been required to comply with MTD rules for VAT. Under MTD, businesses must use HMRC-compatible software to file their VAT returns. Non-compliance may result in penalties, so it’s essential to ensure your business is correctly equipped with suitable software to meet these obligations in 2025.

What If You Cannot Pay Your Tax on Time?

If you’re struggling to meet your tax payment deadline due to financial difficulty or unexpected circumstances, it’s crucial to communicate promptly with HMRC. You may be eligible to set up a ‘Time to Pay’ arrangement, allowing you to spread the cost of your tax bill over a longer period. This arrangement can help avoid or significantly reduce late payment penalties and interest charges.

Eligibility typically requires having no outstanding tax debts or prior payment arrangements in place. Always approach HMRC proactively, as ignoring payment deadlines without communication may lead to escalating penalties and legal actions.

Final Thoughts and Advice

To avoid unnecessary fines, maintain digital financial records, monitor your deadlines carefully, and seek professional advice if you’re uncertain.

If you need support navigating your 2025 tax obligations, reach out to The Financial Management Centre. Our experienced team is here to ensure your business stays compliant and financially healthy, allowing you to focus on growth and success in the year ahead.

For detailed support, contact The Financial Management Centre today, and let us help you manage your financial responsibilities effectively throughout 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I still file a return if I earned less than £1,000?

Generally, no. However, if you wish to pay voluntary Class 2 National Insurance contributions to preserve your entitlement to certain state benefits or pensions, you’ll need to complete a Self Assessment return.

How do I know if I owe the High Income Child Benefit Charge?

If either you or your partner earns over £50,000 annually (threshold rising to £60,000 from 2024/25), and you or your partner receives Child Benefit, you must complete a Self Assessment tax return to pay this charge.

What happens if I underestimate my tax bill on a payment on account?

If you underestimate your payment on account, you’ll need to pay the balance by the next payment date, along with interest on the shortfall. It’s advisable to make accurate estimates to avoid unexpected costs.