When Do You Have to Pay for Taxes?

If you're employed, self-employed, or earning extra on the side, knowing exactly when do you have to pay for taxes is the solution to stay out of trouble with HMRC. The UK tax system has clear deadlines, but they can be different depending on how you earn your money.

This blog breaks it all down in simple terms, so you’ll know what to pay, when do you pay tax, and how to stay organised all year round. Whether you're filing a Self Assessment or just checking your PAYE, understanding tax year dates will help you plan better.

Why Tax Payment Deadlines Matter

Your 2024/25 tax bill is due on 31 January 2026. If you haven’t paid it by then, HMRC will start charging you interest from 1 February 2026 until it’s fully paid. If it remains unpaid by midnight on 2 March 2026, you’ll also receive a 5% late payment penalty on top of the interest.

Knowing your tax return dates and payment deadlines helps you:

• Avoid paying penalties
• Stay organised
• Plan your money better

Tax Deadlines for the 2025/2026 Financial Year

The financial year 2025/2026 covers the tax period from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. Here are the important tax return dates and payment deadlines you need to be aware of:

Deadline	Date	Description
Register for Self Assessment	5 October 2025	If you're new to self-employment or have untaxed income, you must register with HMRC by this date to file a tax return for the 2024/2025 tax year.
Paper Tax Return Submission	31 October 2025	The deadline for submitting paper Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024/2025 tax year.
Online Tax Return Submission	31 January 2026	The deadline for filing online Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024/2025 tax year.
Tax Payment Due	31 January 2026	Any tax owed for the 2024/2025 tax year must be paid by this date.
First Payment on Account	31 January 2026	Advance payment towards your next tax bill, based on your previous year's tax liability.
Second Payment on Account	31 July 2026	Second advance payment towards your next tax bill.

Knowing these tax year dates helps you plan in advance. Always check when does the tax year start and end and the end of tax year UK to stay on track with your payments.

Taxes for Employed People (PAYE System)

If you are employed, your tax is usually taken from your wages before you get paid. This system is called PAYE, which stands for Pay As You Earn.

How PAYE Works:

• Your employer works out how much tax and National Insurance you owe.
• They take it out of your salary each payday.
• Then they send that money to HMRC (the UK tax office) on your behalf.

So, you normally don’t have to do anything to pay your tax unless something goes wrong.

When You Might Need to Take Action

You may need to contact HMRC or file a tax return if:

• You paid too much or too little tax.
• You changed jobs during the tax year.
• You want to claim tax reliefs, like for work expenses or travel costs.
• You’re due a tax refund.

Understanding when do you start paying tax under PAYE can also help ensure you’re not overpaying or missing any deadlines during the year.

Taxes for the Self-Employed and Sole Traders

If you work for yourself, like a sole trader or freelancer, you need to:

• Register for Self Assessment
• Send a tax return each year
• Pay your tax bill by the deadlines

When to Register for Self-Assessment

You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started trading. It is also very important to know the tax year dates and when do you start paying tax after becoming self-employed.

When does the tax year start and end?

The tax year date runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year.

For example:
2025/26 tax year: 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026

Key Payment Deadlines

The following are the deadlines and what to pay:

Deadline	What to Pay
31 January	Tax for the previous tax year + 1st payment on account
31 July	2nd payment on account

Example:
If your last tax bill was £2,000:

• You pay £1,000 on 31 January
• Then £1,000 again on 31 July

If you’re newly self-employed and wondering when do you start paying tax, your first payment is usually due by 31 January following the end of your first trading tax year.

If You’re a Company Director or Have Untaxed Income

Company directors usually need to file a Self Assessment tax return, even if they take most income through PAYE.

You also need to file a return if you have income that hasn’t had tax deducted. Common examples include:

• Rental income (from letting out property)
• Dividends from company shares
• Cryptocurrency gains
• Side hustles or freelance work

Key Deadlines

Same as self-employed people:

• 31 January - Pay tax for the last tax year + 1st payment on account
• 31 July - 2nd payment on account

Remember to check when does the tax year start and end and note the end of tax year UK to plan what income you’ll include in your next return.

HMRC’s Role in Telling You What You Owe

HMRC helps you figure out your tax if:

• You’re employed (via PAYE)
• You submit a Self Assessment return

How You Find Out What You Owe

• Use your Personal Tax Account online at GOV.UK
• Check your tax calculation or notice to pay
• Look out for reminders sent by post or email

If you’re unsure when do you have to pay for taxes, HMRC’s reminders and your online account will guide you based on your tax return dates.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing the tax deadline can cost you money.

Penalties:

• £100 fine right away (if you miss the 31 January deadline)
• More charges if late over 3, 6, or 12 months
• Extra interest is added daily if you don’t pay

How to avoid:

• Set reminders for each tax year date
• File and pay early
• Use a tax accountant if unsure

Note: Knowing when do you start paying tax and when do you pay tax can help you avoid confusion later. Remember, the financial year ends on 31 March, but the end of tax year UK is 5 April.

Conclusion

If you're unsure about when taxes are due or when do you have to pay for taxes, PHS Associates is here to help. We specialise in guiding individuals and businesses through the UK tax system, ensuring you meet all tax return dates and deadlines without penalties.

Whether you're self-employed, a company director, or just need help with your tax return, our expert team is ready to assist. Contact us by phone at
0208 8611685 or email info@phs-uk.co.uk. We’ll help you understand when do you start paying tax, the tax year dates, and ensure you’re aware of the end of tax year UK requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions