When does the 2026/27 tax year start and end?

Full answer

The UK tax year does not follow the calendar year -- it runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year, a quirk dating back to historical changes in the calendar system centuries ago. The 2026/27 tax year specifically starts on 6 April 2026 and ends on 5 April 2027. All the rates, thresholds and allowances described as applying "for 2026/27" -- including the £12,570 Personal Allowance, the £50,270 higher rate threshold in the rest of the UK, National Insurance thresholds, student loan repayment thresholds, and ISA and dividend allowances -- are fixed for this entire 12-month window and do not change mid-year, even if the Budget or Autumn Statement announces future changes, which typically take effect from the start of a later tax year (most commonly the following 6 April). Your annual tax position, including how much Personal Allowance you have used, how much you have contributed to ISAs, and which Income Tax band your total income falls into, is calculated based on income and events falling within this 6 April to 5 April window, regardless of when in the calendar year you are paid. Self Assessment tax returns for the 2026/27 tax year cover exactly this period and are due for online filing by 31 January 2028, the January following the tax year's end.

More answers

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