A complete tax calendar for UK contractors and freelancers

Here are the key accounting and tax dates that contractors and freelancers need to keep track of for the tax year.

When it comes to running your own business, there is much to keep track of, including important tax dates and deadlines. Whether you’re a freelancer or a contractor, you need to be aware of these dates to avoid getting in trouble with HMRC This can be a challenge when you’re deep in the day-to-day running of your business.

You’ll have different obligations to HMRC depending on whether or not you employ other people, if you’re a sole trader, or if you own a limited company. By being aware of your accounting responsibilities, you can have peace of mind that you’re submitting documents to HMRC on time.

If you’re unsure whether you’re meeting all of these obligations or filling out paperwork correctly, it may be best to seek the expert advice of specialist accountants for contractors and freelancers, who will be able to answer all your questions and assist with everything you require.

In the meantime, here are some important dates to be aware.

Date	Event
22 January	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
31 January	Self-assessment due Deadline for filing your self-assessment tax return for the tax year ending on 5th April of the previous year. Balancing payment due for tax owing for the year ending 5th April of the previous year. First payment on account due for the current tax year.
1 February	Tax penalties start £100 penalty for failure to submit your self-assessment tax return. Further penalties apply the later the return is filed such as £10 per day from month three for up to 90 days.
22 February	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 March	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
5 April	End of the UK tax year
6 April	New UK tax year Start of the new tax year and usually introduction of new tax rates.
22 April	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 May	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
31 May	Issue P60s Issue a P60 to all employees on your payroll.
22 June	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
6 July	Filing of PD11s Submit your P11D form electronically to HMRC (A P11D form lets HMRC know about any “benefits in kind” (e.g., a company car) that your employees receive.) Give employees copies of the P11D If applicable, you have until 6 July to submit P11D(b) forms to HMRC and inform HMRC of the total amount of Class 1A of National Insurance owed
22 July	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC. Annual deadline for electronic payment of Class 1A National Insurance Contributions to HMRC.
31 July	Second payment on account Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 August	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 September	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
5 October	Registering for self-assessment This is a critical deadline for those who have never submitted a self-assessment tax return before. This registration needs to take place by 5 October following the end of the first tax year for which you have to submit a self-assessment tax return.
22 October	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 November	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.
22 December	PAYE and NICs Monthly deadline to electronically submit your PAYE, NI and CIS payments to HMRC.

If you need assistance with your UK tax, contact one of our expert contractor accountants and avoid any penalties from the HMRC.

Contact an accountant

Filing the Company’s Annual Financial Statements

At the end of the company’s financial year, the company must prepare the annual statutory accounts. The accounts are filed at Companies House while the accounts and corporation tax return are also filed electronically at HMRC.

When it comes to deadlines, you will file:

First accounts with Companies House 21 months after the company’s incorporation date
Annual accounts with Companies House nine months after your company’s financial year ends
The company’s Corporation Tax Return 12 months after your accounting period for corporation tax ends.

Corporation tax

Your company must pay corporation tax on any taxable profits. The deadline for this will depend on your company’s year-end and is due nine months plus one day after the company’s year-end

VAT return

If you are VAT-registered, you will be required to file a VAT return usually every three months. This deadline is usually one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT period, and you have to allow time for the payment to reach HMRC’s account. Some businesses also opt to use the annual VAT scheme.

For assistance completing your tax return or refund, email accounting@sableinternational.com. We offer a no refund, no fee policy. If you're not due a refund, we won’t charge you any fees.

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