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Contractor Pay Guide

Contractor Tax Deadlines & Planning Timeline
Navigate key UK tax and compliance dates for Limited Company and Umbrella Company contractors. This timeline is a guide; always confirm dates with official sources or your accountant.

Tax Year Dates

End of UK Tax Year
Tax Year Dates
5 April

The UK tax year (fiscal year) ends.

Marks the end of the period for income tax and capital gains tax calculations.

Start of New UK Tax Year
Tax Year Dates
6 April

The new UK tax year (fiscal year) begins.

Marks the start of a new period for income tax and capital gains tax.

Self Assessment

Register for Self Assessment
Self Assessment
By 5 October (after tax year end)

If you are newly self-employed or have untaxed income, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC.

Applies if you became a director or started receiving dividends/other untaxed income in the previous tax year and haven't registered before.

Self Assessment Online Tax Return Deadline
Self Assessment
31 January

Deadline to file your Self Assessment tax return online for the previous tax year.

E.g., for the 2023/24 tax year, the deadline is 31 January 2025.

Self Assessment: Balancing Payment & 1st Payment on Account
Self Assessment
31 January

Deadline to pay any tax owed from the previous year (balancing payment) AND your first payment on account for the current tax year.

Self Assessment: 2nd Payment on Account
Self Assessment
31 July

Deadline for your second payment on account towards your tax bill for the current tax year.

Corporation Tax

Corporation Tax Payment Deadline
Corporation Tax
9 months and 1 day after your Accounting Period End (APE)(Estimate/Variable)

Pay your Corporation Tax bill. This is generally due before you file your company tax return.

E.g., if APE is 31 March, payment is due 1 January next year. Check your specific APE.

Company Tax Return (CT600) Filing Deadline
Corporation Tax
12 months after your Accounting Period End (APE)(Estimate/Variable)

File your Company Tax Return with HMRC.

E.g., if APE is 31 March, filing is due 31 March next year.

Company Admin

Confirmation Statement Filing
Company Admin
Within 14 days of your company's review period end date (usually anniversary of incorporation or last statement).(Estimate/Variable)

File your confirmation statement (previously annual return) with Companies House.

Check your specific due date with Companies House.

Annual Accounts Filing (Companies House)
Company Admin
9 months after your company's financial year end (APE).(Estimate/Variable)

File your company's annual accounts with Companies House.

Umbrella Employee

Receive P60 (from Umbrella)
Umbrella Employee
By 31 May (after tax year end)

Your umbrella company (as your employer) must give you a P60 form by this date.

Your P60 shows your total pay and deductions for the previous tax year.

Financial Planning

Review Pension Contributions
Financial Planning
Ongoing (especially before 5 April)

Consider making additional pension contributions before the tax year ends to maximize tax relief and allowances.

Utilize ISA Allowance
Financial Planning
Ongoing (before 5 April)

Consider using your annual ISA allowance for tax-efficient savings or investments before the tax year end.

Important Disclaimer

This timeline provides general guidance on common UK tax deadlines and planning points relevant to contractors. Tax laws and dates can change, and some deadlines (like Corporation Tax) depend on your company's specific accounting period. This information is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Always consult with a qualified accountant or refer to official HMRC guidance for deadlines and obligations specific to your circumstances. Contractor Pay Guide is not liable for any actions taken based on this illustrative timeline.