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UK Tax Year
2025/26
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Stay on top of the current UK tax year with this live dashboard. See exactly how far through the 2025/26 tax year you are, check key HMRC deadlines and review current income tax rates — all updated automatically from today's date. No input needed.
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Today
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| Band / Threshold | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | 0% | £12,570 |
| Basic Rate | 20% | £12,571 – £50,270 |
| Higher Rate | 40% | £50,271 – £125,140 |
| Additional Rate | 45% | £125,141+ |
| National Insurance | ||
| NI Primary Threshold | 8% | £12,570 |
Understanding the UK tax year
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Unlike the calendar year, it does not start on 1 January. The current 2025/26 tax year began on 6 April 2025 and ends on 5 April 2026. All income tax, capital gains tax and National Insurance calculations are based on this 12-month window.
This page automatically detects today's date and shows you exactly how far through the current tax year you are. The progress bar and countdown update on page load — no input needed. Use it to keep track of how much time remains before the year ends and key deadlines approach.
Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025/26 tax year are due by 31 January 2027 if filing online, or 31 October 2026 for paper returns. Payments on Account — advance payments towards your next tax bill — are due on 31 January 2026 and 31 July 2026.
Why does the tax year start on 6 April?
The 6 April start date is a quirk of British history. Before 1752, the tax year began on 25 March — Lady Day, one of the traditional English quarter days. When Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar that year, 11 days were skipped to align with continental Europe.
The Treasury refused to lose 11 days of tax revenue and shifted the start of the tax year forward to 5 April. A further adjustment in 1800 moved it to 6 April, where it has remained ever since. There have been occasional calls to align the tax year with the calendar year, but so far no change has been made.
Key Self Assessment deadlines for 2025/26
If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2025/26 tax year, here are the dates to remember:
- 5 October 2026: Register for Self Assessment if you have not filed before
- 31 October 2026: Deadline for paper tax returns
- 31 January 2027: Deadline for online tax returns and payment of tax owed
- 31 January 2026: First Payment on Account due (advance payment towards 2025/26 bill)
- 31 July 2026: Second Payment on Account due
Missing the 31 January deadline triggers an automatic £100 penalty from HMRC, even if you owe no tax. After three months, daily penalties of £10 per day (up to 90 days) begin. At six months and 12 months, further penalties of 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is greater) are added.
Frequently asked questions
When does the UK tax year start?
The UK tax year starts on 6 April each year and runs until 5 April the following year. The current 2025/26 tax year began on 6 April 2025 and ends on 5 April 2026.
Why does the UK tax year start on 6 April?
The 6 April start date goes back to 1752 when Britain switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Eleven days were dropped, and the Treasury moved the tax year start from 25 March (Lady Day) forward by 11 days to avoid losing revenue. It was later adjusted to 6 April and has stayed there ever since.
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
For the 2025/26 tax year, the deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns is 31 January 2027. If you file a paper return, the deadline is 31 October 2026. You must also pay any tax owed by 31 January 2027.
What happens if I miss the Self Assessment deadline?
HMRC charges an automatic £100 penalty if you miss the 31 January deadline, even if you have no tax to pay. After three months, daily penalties of £10 per day apply for up to 90 days. At six and 12 months, further penalties of 5% of the tax due or £300 (whichever is greater) are charged.
Do I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?
You need to file if you are self-employed, earned over £150,000, received income from property, had significant savings or investment income, are a company director, or received income from abroad. If PAYE tax on your employment covers everything you owe, you usually do not need to file.
How do I check my tax code?
You can check your tax code on your payslip, P60, or by logging into your HMRC Personal Tax Account online. The most common code is 1257L, which gives the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570. Use our tax code decoder to understand what yours means.