TaxYearSheetsShort answer
Key UK tax dates from October 2026 to May 2027: paper Self Assessment returns by 31 October 2026, MTD update 2 by 7 November 2026, the online return and payment by 31 January 2027, and MTD update 3 by 7 February 2027. The 2026/27 tax year ends on 5 April 2027, and MTD starts on 6 April 2027 for qualifying income over £30,000 in 2025/26. Our free emails remind you 1–3 weeks before each date.
Last checked by hand against GOV.UK: 10 October 2026. Sources are linked in each section. HMRC updates its guidance, so always check the source before you act.
Key dates, October 2026 to May 2027
| Date | What's due | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2026 | Paper Self Assessment return for 2025/26 must reach HMRC by 11:59pm | People filing on paper |
| 7 November 2026 | MTD quarterly update 2 (6 April – 5 October 2026, or 1 April – 30 September on calendar periods) | Sole traders and landlords using MTD for Income Tax in 2026/27 |
| 30 December 2026 | File online by 11:59pm if you want tax under £3,000 collected through your PAYE tax code | People who already pay tax through PAYE |
| 31 January 2027 | Online return for 2025/26 and payment of any tax owed, including any first payment on account for 2026/27 | Everyone in Self Assessment |
| 7 February 2027 | MTD quarterly update 3 (6 April 2026 – 5 January 2027, or 1 April – 31 December 2026) | MTD users in 2026/27 |
| 5 April 2027 | The 2026/27 tax year ends | Everyone |
| 6 April 2027 | MTD for Income Tax starts | Qualifying income over £30,000 in 2025/26 |
| 7 May 2027 | MTD quarterly update 4 for 2026/27 (the whole tax year) | MTD users in 2026/27 |
Sources: GOV.UK – Self Assessment deadlines · GOV.UK – Send quarterly updates · GOV.UK – Pay through your tax code · GOV.UK – Find out if and when you need to use MTD for Income Tax.
What the reminder emails are
- What you get: a short email 1–3 weeks before each date above. Each one starts with the answer, lists the GOV.UK facts with links, and answers the questions people ask most.
- How often: about once a month, never more than 2 a month.
- Also: occasionally a short note about our record-keeping spreadsheets.
- Free, and you can leave any time: there's an unsubscribe link in every email. See how we use your email.
The reminders
Each reminder is also published here as a page, so you can read it without signing up. The date shows when the email is planned to go out.
- MTD update 2: due 7 November 2026 – who sends it, the period it covers, and the 31 October paper return deadline. Email planned for 27 October 2026.
- 30 December 2026: file online to pay through your tax code – who qualifies and what happens if you miss it. Email planned for 15 December 2026.
- 31 January 2027: file and pay your 2025/26 Self Assessment – what you pay, weekend payment timing and late penalties. Email planned for 12 January 2027.
- MTD from 6 April 2027: are you in? – who must start, records, software and first deadlines. Email planned for 9 March 2027.
Questions
When is the next MTD quarterly update deadline?
For 2026/27 the MTD for Income Tax update deadlines are 7 August 2026, 7 November 2026, 7 February 2027 and 7 May 2027, whether you use standard or calendar update periods.
When is the Self Assessment deadline for 2025/26?
Paper returns must reach HMRC by 11:59pm on 31 October 2026. Online returns and any tax owed are due by 11:59pm on 31 January 2027.
Who has to start Making Tax Digital in April 2027?
Sole traders and landlords registered for Self Assessment whose qualifying income from self-employment and property was over £30,000 in the 2025 to 2026 tax year, unless they are exempt.
Free UK tax deadline reminders
A short email 1–3 weeks before key UK tax dates: Making Tax Digital quarterly updates, the 31 January Self Assessment deadline and the end of the tax year. Each one says what's due and who it applies to, and links to the GOV.UK source.
- How often: about once a month, never more than 2 a month.
- What else: occasionally a note about our record-keeping spreadsheets. No spam, and we never share or sell your address.
- Leave any time: there's an unsubscribe link in every email.