Key Dates for Tax Year End
The UK tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April. All allowances and reliefs reset on 6 April, making the period leading up to 5th April critical for taking full advantage of your tax-efficient options.
Key Deadlines & Actions
1. ISA Contributions
ISA allowance: Up to £20,000 for the 2025/26 tax year.
Deadline: Midnight on 5th April. Any unused allowance expires – there’s no rollover.
ISA transfers: Moving ISAs between providers doesn’t use your annual allowance, so feel free to transfer before the deadline.
Pro tip: Some providers require deposits a few days earlier, so check provider-specific cut-offs.
2. Pension Contributions
Annual allowance: Up to £60,000 (or 100% of your earnings if less).
If you've already accessed pension benefits, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) may limit contributions to £10,000.
Carry-forward: You can use unused allowances from the previous three years.
Processing deadlines:
For many providers: contributions must be received by 5th April to count for the current tax year.
Example: Royal London requires funds and paperwork by 2nd April 2026 (6 pm) due to Easter banking closures.
3. Self-Assessment Tax Return
For anyone required to file a Self‑Assessment return:
Notify HMRC you'll file: 5th October
Submit paper return: 31st October
Submit online return (and pay tax owed): 31st January
First payment on account (if required): 31st January
Second payment on account: 31st July
Key actionable dates:
5th October: Last chance to register for Self-Assessment if new.
31st October: Paper filing deadline.
31st January: Online filing and final tax payment.
31st July: Deadline for second advance payment.
Pre-Tax Year End Checklist
Max out ISA allowance (£20,000 across any ISA types) – consider cash, Stocks & Shares, Lifetime, or Junior ISAs.
Make pension contributions up to your annual limit (or carry-forward unused allowances). Confirm provider deadlines to ensure timely processing.
Review need for Self-Assessment – register and file if you're self-employed, have untaxed income, or high income.
Final Tips
Act early—don’t wait until the final days to avoid missed deadlines or processing delays.
Coordinate ISA and pension contributions with your registered provider to ensure funds are received in time.
If you’re uncertain about allowances or deadlines, reach out to your GDA adviser—we’re here to help you maximise tax benefits and avoid penalties.
This article is for general information and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you’re unsure what’s best for you, seek independent financial advice.
Past performance is not a guide to future performance, nor a reliable indicator of future results or performance. The value of investments, and the income or capital entitlement which may derive from them, if any, may go down as well as up and is not guaranteed; therefore investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
