Live Dashboard
UK Tax Year
2026/27
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Stay on top of the current UK tax year with this live dashboard. See exactly how far through the 2026/27 tax year you are, check key HMRC deadlines and review the published 2026/27 income tax rates. The countdown and key dates use today's date; the explanatory text and rates table are maintained separately. 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 2026/27 tax year began on 6 April 2026 and ends on 5 April 2027. 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 2026/27 tax year are due by 31 January 2028 if filing online, or 31 October 2027 for paper returns. Payments on Account — advance payments towards your next tax bill — are due on 31 January 2027 and 31 July 2027.
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 2026/27
If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2026/27 tax year, here are the dates to remember:
- 5 October 2027: Register for Self Assessment if you have not filed before
- 31 October 2027: Deadline for paper tax returns
- 31 January 2028: Deadline for online tax returns and payment of tax owed
- 31 January 2027: First Payment on Account due (advance payment towards 2026/27 bill)
- 31 July 2027: Second Payment on Account due
Late filing or payment can cause penalties and interest. Different rules can apply to Making Tax Digital taxpayers. Check HMRC penalty guidance rather than treating this dashboard as a penalty calculator.
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 2026/27 tax year began on 6 April 2026 and ends on 5 April 2027.
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 2026/27 tax year, the deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns is 31 January 2028. If you file a paper return, the deadline is 31 October 2027. You must also pay any tax owed by 31 January 2028.
What happens if I miss the Self Assessment deadline?
HMRC may charge penalties and interest for late filing or payment. The rules depend on your filing obligations, including whether Making Tax Digital applies. Check the current GOV.UK penalty guidance and contact HMRC if you cannot meet a deadline.
Do I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?
Whether you need a return depends on your circumstances and any notice from HMRC. Sole-trader income over £1,000 before expenses, partnerships and certain untaxed income or tax charges can require a return. Employment income alone does not create a universal £150,000 filing requirement. Use HMRC’s official checker.
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.
Which tax year do these deadlines cover?
The static guide covers 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. Its normal online filing and balancing-payment deadline is 31 January 2028; 31 January 2027 normally relates to the preceding tax year. Payments on account towards 2026/27 normally fall on 31 January and 31 July 2027 where required. Check HMRC deadlines and payments on account.