{"id":33923,"date":"2024-05-30T10:39:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T09:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/?p=33923"},"modified":"2025-06-04T11:38:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T10:38:03","slug":"when-is-corporation-tax-due","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/limited-companies\/when-is-corporation-tax-due\/","title":{"rendered":"When is corporation tax due?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re running a business in the UK, you\u2019ll need to pay corporation tax<\/a> (sometimes it\u2019s also known as company tax). But when is it due?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding when corporation tax is due is important if you want to stay compliant and avoid any HMRC penalties<\/a>. So listen up, because we\u2019re breaking down all the deadlines when it comes to corporation tax and your accounting period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is corporation tax?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we jump into the super-interesting world of tax dates and deadines (yawn), let\u2019s refresh our minds about corporation tax and what it is exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporation tax is a tax paid by businesses based on their annual profits<\/a>. For limited companies, the corporation tax rate varies depending on how much profit (income minus expenses) you make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike sole traders<\/a>, limited companies do not have a tax-free Personal Allowance<\/a>. Sigh, it\u2019s a tough life, we know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do I find out what rate of corporation tax I need to pay?<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n
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Corporation tax<\/strong> rates<\/strong> in the 2025\/26 tax year.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Business income (profit)<\/b><\/td>\nTax rate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Up to \u00a350,000<\/span><\/td>\n19%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a350,000 – \u00a3250,000<\/span><\/td>\n19-25%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a3250,000+<\/span><\/td>\n25%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div> \n\n
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Those making less than \u00a350,000 will pay a reduced rate. But things can get a little complicated between \u00a350,000 and \u00a3250,000. There\u2019s a \u2018sliding scale\u2019 of tax rates. The main rate of 25% still applies, but Marginal Relief will be given. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marginal Relief is a type of tax relief awarded to medium sized businesses earning over \u00a350k but less than \u00a3250k. The more you make, the more tax you\u2019ll pay, up to the main rate of tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry if this all sounds a confusing. Your rate of corporation tax is automatically calculated when you submit your annual accounts. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n

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Corporation Tax deadlines: dates for your diary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve familiarised ourselves with the current rates, let\u2019s find out when corporation tax is due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporation tax deadlines are specific to your company. Here are the key dates you should maybe, probably, definitely to add to your diary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your end of accounting period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An accounting period is typically 12 months long and ends when your company\u2019s financial year ends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This date is set when you register your company with Companies House<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if your financial year ends on 31 March, that\u2019s the end of your accounting period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save this date! You\u2019ll need to file your corporation tax return within 12 months of the end of your accounting period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do I have two filing dates in my first year?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This all depends on when your company was incorporated, so don\u2019t worry if you have two dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your first accounts cover more than 12 months, you’ll need to file two tax returns, each with its own payment deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong> If your company was incorporated on 22 June 2023 and your first accounting period is to 30 June 2024, you\u2019ll need to file two tax returns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n