Your Essential HMRC Filing Deadlines & Tax Reminders for SMEs 2025–26 📅

HMRC Tax Deadlines 2025–26: Complete SME Filing Guide

📅 Your Essential HMRC Filing Deadlines & Tax Reminders for SMEs 2025–26

Running an SME is exhilarating—and exhausting. Between managing staff, serving clients, and planning growth, tax deadlines are often the last thing on your mind. Yet missing just one can cost you hundreds, or even thousands, in penalties, late payment interest, and stress.

This guide walks you through every critical filing deadline for SMEs in 2025–26, explains what triggers penalties, and shows you practical ways to stay on track without hiring a full accounting department.

Understanding Your Tax Year & Key Dates 📆

The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April each year. For 2025–26:

  • Tax year start: 6 April 2025
  • Tax year end: 5 April 2026
  • Most filing deadline: 31 January 2027

Self-Assessment Deadlines: Key Dates You Cannot Miss ✅

Registration Deadline

5 October 2025 (if you need to file for the 2024–25 tax year)

Filing Deadlines

Deadline Format Note
31 October 2025 Paper return Final date for posting paper forms
31 January 2026 Online return Primary deadline; must file and pay by 11:59 PM
Key point: Filing online on time is critical. Even if you owe no tax, filing late triggers a £100 fixed penalty.

Corporation Tax: Limited Company Deadlines 🏢

Payment Deadline (Comes Before Filing)

Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period.

Corporation Tax Rates (2025–26)

  • Profit under £50,000: 19%
  • Profit £50,001–£250,000: Marginal relief applies (typically 20–25%)
  • Profit over £250,000: 25%

VAT Deadlines: Quarterly Submissions & Payment 💳

If your turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT and file quarterly returns.

Quarter Period Deadline
Q11 Jan – 31 Mar 20257 May 2025
Q21 Apr – 30 Jun 20257 Aug 2025
Q31 Jul – 30 Sep 20257 Nov 2025
Q41 Oct – 31 Dec 20257 Feb 2026

PAYE & Payroll Deadlines 💰

  • Full Payment Submission (FPS): Due on or before each payday
  • PAYE Payment: By 22nd of the following month (electronic) or 19th (cheque)
  • Year-end RTI: By 19 April 2026

Penalties & Late Filing ⚠️

Self-Assessment Situation Penalty
Filing 0–3 months late£100 (fixed)
Filing 3–6 months late£10/day for up to 90 days
Filing 6–12 months late5% of tax owed (min £300)
Filing 12+ months late10% of tax owed (min £300)

Real-World Example: £45k Sole Trader 🧮

Personal allowance: £12,570 (tax-free)
Taxable income: £45,000 − £12,570 = £32,430
Income tax (20%): £6,486
National Insurance: £2,757
Total due: ~£9,243

Key Compliance Checklist 📋

By 5 October 2025

  • ☐ Register for Self-Assessment (if self-employed)
  • ☐ Gather accounting records

By 31 January 2026

  • ☐ File Self-Assessment return online
  • ☐ Pay tax bill + first payment on account

By 31 March 2026

  • ☐ File Corporation Tax (if year-end 31 Dec)
  • ☐ File accounts with Companies House

Preparing for Making Tax Digital 🔄

From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning >£50,000 must:

  1. Choose HMRC-approved MTD software (FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks)
  2. Keep digital records from day one
  3. File 4 quarterly updates + annual end-of-period statement

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: Will MTD cost me more money?
A: No. Most cloud platforms charge the same with MTD included. SMEs typically save 10–20% in accountancy fees due to automation.
Q: What if I miss a deadline?
A: File/pay immediately, contact HMRC to negotiate Time to Pay. You have 30 days to appeal penalties with a "reasonable excuse."
Q: Can I claim work-from-home expenses?
A: Yes. Home office costs, electricity, internet, professional fees, and equipment are all deductible. Can save £1,000–£5,000+ annually.

Get Expert Help With Your Tax Compliance

MA & CO Accountants specialises in helping UK SMEs navigate HMRC deadlines, claim reliefs, and stay compliant.

📖 Read Our Blog 📞 Book Free Consultation 💼 Our Services 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast
Disclaimer: This is general information, not advice. Tax rules can be complex. Professional advice ensures you claim all reliefs and meet every deadline. Speak to a tax specialist at MA & CO for personalised guidance.

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