Reference · Deadlines
UK Self Assessment deadlines for the 2025 to 2026 tax year
HMRC says most online returns for the 2025 to 2026 tax year are due by 11:59 pm on 31 January 2027. The main payment deadline falls on the same date.
Sources checked
- 2026-10-05Tell HMRC a return is needed
People who need to register or reactivate in the circumstances listed by HMRC Source 1
- 2026-10-31Paper filing
Most paper returns, received by HMRC Source 1
- 2026-12-30File to request payment through tax code
Eligible taxpayers who want to pay through their code Source 1
- 2027-01-31Online filing and balancing payment
Most online filers and tax due Source 1
- 2027-07-31Second payment on account
Taxpayers who have to make payments on account Source 2
Find the filing date and the payment date that match your case.
Filing and paying are separate steps
Submitting a return tells HMRC the figures. Paying settles the amount due. HMRC gives 31 January 2027 as the usual deadline for both online filing and the balancing payment. Source 1 Source 2
Check the date on a late-registration notice
HMRC says someone who registers after 5 October can receive a different filing deadline. The payment date still needs to be checked against HMRC’s instructions. Source 1
Work out whether July applies
HMRC describes a second payment on account for taxpayers who must make advance payments. Read your own statement to see whether there is an amount due. Source 2
Read the relevant time as well as the date
HMRC uses 11:59 pm for the standard paper receipt, online filing and payment deadlines. It gives an earlier date for some taxpayers who want to pay through their tax code. Use the official notice if your case has a different deadline. Source 1