Running a limited company comes with a number of responsibilities, particularly when it comes to tax and regulatory deadlines. As a director, staying on top of these obligations is essential to avoid penalties, maintain compliance, and keep your business running smoothly.
For those newer to running a company, it’s not always obvious what needs to be filed, when it’s due, and what’s expected. This guide highlights the key dates and requirements for the 2026/27 tax year, helping you stay organised and in control.
Understanding the tax year
The UK tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April the following year. Throughout this period, there are several important deadlines relating to payroll, personal tax, and company filings.
Key dates for the 2026/27 tax year
April 2026
- 6th April – Start of the new tax year
- 19th April – Deadline for submitting final payroll reports (FPS/EPS) for the previous tax year
- 22nd April – Deadline for electronic PAYE payments for March
May 2026
- 31st May – Deadline to issue P60s to employees
July 2026
- 6th July – Deadline to report employee benefits and expenses (P11D and P11D(b))
- 19th July – Payment deadline for Class 1A National Insurance
- 31st July – Second payment on account due for Self Assessment
October 2026
- 5th October – Deadline to register for Self Assessment (if required)
- 31st October – Deadline for paper tax returns
January 2027
- 31st January – Deadline for online Self Assessment submission
- Payment of any outstanding tax for 2025/26
- First payment on account for 2026/27
April 2027
- 5th April – End of the tax year
Company-specific filing obligations
In addition to personal tax deadlines, limited companies must also meet ongoing filing requirements:
Annual accounts
Companies must file accounts with Companies House, typically 9 months after the end of the financial year.
Confirmation statement
This annual filing confirms that your company details are up to date and is usually due 12 months after your last submission.
Corporation Tax
- Payment is due 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends
- Your Corporation Tax return (CT600) is usually due 12 months after your year end
Staying ahead of these deadlines is crucial to avoid interest charges and penalties.
VAT responsibilities
If your business is VAT registered, returns are usually submitted quarterly. While exact dates depend on your VAT period, deadlines typically fall one month and seven days after the end of each quarter. Both the return and any payment due must be submitted by this deadline.
Monthly obligations
Many businesses also have regular monthly responsibilities, including:
- PAYE and National Insurance submissions (FPS/EPS), typically due by the 19th of each month
- PAYE payments, often made quarterly depending on your setup
- CIS returns (if applicable), also due monthly
Keeping on top of these recurring deadlines is just as important as annual filings.
Practical tips for staying on track
Managing multiple deadlines can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can make a big difference:
Use digital tools
Cloud-based accounting software can automate reminders, streamline reporting, and keep your records organised.
Plan ahead
Don’t wait until deadlines approach. Building a forward-looking schedule helps avoid last-minute stress.
Keep informed
Tax rules and requirements can change, so it’s important to stay up to date and understand how these changes affect your business.
Seek professional support
Working with an accountant ensures nothing is missed and gives you confidence that your obligations are being handled correctly.
How Apollo Accounting can help
Apollo support limited company directors with all aspects of compliance, from payroll and VAT to Corporation Tax and annual filings. More importantly, we go beyond deadlines, helping you plan ahead, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions that support your long-term business goals.
Staying on top of your tax and filing responsibilities doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right systems, planning, and support in place, you can manage your obligations efficiently and focus on growing your business. If you’d like help keeping your company compliant and organised throughout the tax year, the Apollo Accounting team is here to support you.
Note: All the information and advice in this blog post was correct at the time of writing.
