As a business owner in the UK, keeping on top of your tax deadlines is crucial. Missed deadlines can lead to costly penalties, unnecessary stress, and even interest charges.

So, knowing the dates for VAT, corporation tax, and self-assessment submissions can help you stay ahead. This guide will walk you through the key deadlines and give you practical tips to keep everything in check.
1. Self-Assessment Tax Returns
If you need to file a Self-Assessment tax return, it’s vital to know the deadlines to avoid penalties. If you’re earning untaxed income, you’ll need to register by 5 October. For paper returns, the deadline is 31 October, while online submissions need to be in by 31 January.
And don’t forget, the payment for any tax owed is due on the same date, 31 January. If you miss the deadline, you’ll automatically be hit with a £100 fine, and if the delay continues, additional penalties will pile up.
Staying organised with your finances and submitting your returns early can save you a lot of last-minute stress. Many business owners use accounting software to keep everything on track and simplify the filing process.
2. VAT Returns and the Impact of Making Tax Digital
For VAT-registered businesses with a turnover over £85,000, you must file VAT returns digitally under HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) deadlines.
Typically, VAT returns are filed quarterly, with deadlines falling one month and seven days after the end of each VAT period. Miss the deadline, and you could face penalties, starting at 2% of the outstanding amount after 15 days.
To stay compliant, make sure your accounting software is MTD-compatible. Filing on time not only avoids penalties but also helps with cash flow management. Many business owners set calendar reminders or automate the process to make sure they don’t miss a deadline.
3. Corporation Tax Deadlines for Limited Companies
Limited companies are required to pay Corporation Tax on their profits, with the deadline depending on your company’s financial year-end. Payments are due nine months and one day after the end of your accounting period.
The Company Tax Return (CT600) must be filed 12 months after the end of the accounting period. Failing to pay on time results in interest charges, while late submissions trigger automatic penalties starting at £100.
More than 5.4 million people need to file their tax returns by 31 January, but about 640,000 of them will miss the deadline, showing just how crucial it is to plan when it comes to taxes. Many business owners integrate tax planning into their strategy to ensure they have sufficient funds set aside for payments and avoid last-minute scrambling.
4. PAYE and National Insurance Contributions
Employers need to stick to strict PAYE and National Insurance deadlines. Monthly PAYE payments are due by the 22nd of each month if paying electronically, or by the 19th if paying by cheque. End-of-year reporting, including issuing P60s and P11Ds, must be completed by 6 July.
Late PAYE submissions can result in penalties, ranging from 1% to 4% of the unpaid amount, depending on how long the delay lasts.
Many businesses automate payroll to ensure accuracy and avoid penalties. Keeping detailed records of employee payments also helps prevent compliance issues.
5. Annual Accounts and Companies House Deadlines
Limited companies must file their annual accounts with Companies House, along with their tax returns to HMRC.
The first set of accounts is due 21 months after incorporation, while future filings need to be in within nine months of your company’s financial year-end. If you file late, expect fines starting at £150, which can increase to £1,500 if the delay exceeds six months.
To make life easier, many businesses hire professional accountants or use online filing services. Preparing your financial statements early can help you avoid last-minute errors and free up time to focus on your business growth.
6. Employer PAYE Year-End Reporting
As an employer, it’s essential to complete your PAYE year-end reporting by 6 April each year. This includes finalising your payroll records, ensuring all employee deductions are correctly reported, and submitting forms like P60s to your employees.
Missing this deadline could lead to penalties, ranging from £100 to more, depending on the delay. Additionally, failing to file accurate reports on time can trigger further scrutiny from HMRC.
Many employers take the stress out of this process by using payroll software that ensures the correct deductions are made and reports are filed on time.
Staying on top of your tax deadlines might feel like a lot, but it’s key to avoiding fines and stress down the road. By keeping track of your filing dates, using helpful tools, and staying organised, you can easily meet your obligations and keep your business running smoothly. A little planning now goes a long way in saving you time, money, and hassle later.
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