Important January 2026 Accounting Dates and Deadlines

/Published:17th December 2025/inBusiness, Making Tax Digital, News, Running a business, Tax
Accounting Wise - Important UK Accounting Deadlines January 2026

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January is one of the busiest months of the year for UK businesses, accountants and anyone within the Self Assessment system. With multiple tax deadlines converging  from PAYE and VAT to Corporation Tax, CIS, IR35 and Plastic Packaging Tax – it’s vital to stay ahead to avoid penalties, interest and unnecessary stress.

This guide brings together every key accounting and tax deadline for January 2026 in one place. Whether you’re a limited company, sole trader, contractor or employer, the dates below highlight exactly what needs submitting, paying or correcting, along with practical tips, HMRC resources and expert insights to keep you fully compliant.

We’ve designed this as a clear, easy-to-follow reference so you can plan workloads, prepare your paperwork and avoid the last-minute rush – especially during peak Self Assessment season. If you need support managing any of these obligations, Accounting Wise is here to help you stay organised and compliant throughout the new year.

1 January 2026 – Corporation Tax Payment for 31 March 2025 Year Ends

If your company’s financial year ended on 31 March 2025, then your Corporation Tax payment is due by 1 January 2026. HMRC requires payment nine months and one day after the end of your accounting period, so missing this date can trigger interest charges and potential penalties.

How to pay:

Tips to stay compliant:

  • Check your final tax computation early. Any adjustments, capital allowances, or R&D claims should be reviewed well before year end.
  • Avoid last-minute transfers. Some banks do not process Faster Payments on bank holidays or weekends, and the 1 January deadline falls on a bank holiday in the UK.
  • Use HMRC’s online account to confirm payments have cleared – processing delays are common in early January.

7 January 2026 – VAT Return Submission & Payment (for 30 November 2025 Month-End or Quarter-End)

If your VAT accounting period ended on 30 November 2025, your VAT return and payment are due by 7 January 2026. This applies to both monthly and quarterly filers who submit returns online under Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements.

Where to submit your VAT return:

How to make your VAT payment:

  • Pay VAT to HMRC – options include Direct Debit, Faster Payments, BACS or CHAPS.
  • Remember that Direct Debit collections occur automatically after your return is submitted but you must file on time to trigger it.

Key tips for staying on track:

  • Watch out for the post-Christmas period. Team members may be away, so final checks, reconciliations and approvals should be done before the festive break.
  • Bank holidays may slow payment clearance. The first week of January can affect banking timelines, especially for BACS and CHAPS payments.
  • Confirm digital links under MTD rules. HMRC may penalise businesses still relying on copy-and-paste spreadsheets instead of proper digital records.
  • Run a pre-submission VAT audit. Review fuel scale charges, reverse-charge entries, and missed invoices – common errors that lead to HMRC queries.

14 January 2026 – CT61 Return & Payment for Quarter Ended 31 December 2025

If your company made payments that require deduction of Income Tax at source (such as certain loan interest, annual payments, or royalties), you must complete and submit form CT61 for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. Both the return and the payment must reach HMRC by 14 January 2026.

What CT61 covers:

  • Interest paid to individuals or entities not subject to corporation tax
  • Certain loan relationship payments
  • Royalty or patent payments made to UK or overseas recipients
  • Other annual payments where tax must be deducted at source

Where to get the form:

Submitting your CT61:

  • The form cannot be filed online; HMRC issues CT61 forms to companies when required.
  • If you expect to make relevant payments but have not received a CT61, you must request one via HMRC.

Payment methods:

  • Faster Payments, BACS or CHAPS – details included on the CT61 form
  • Reference must match your Company Tax reference and CT61 period

Key tips to avoid HMRC issues:

  • Track all interest and royalty payments carefully. Many CT61 errors stem from incorrectly categorising loan interest.
  • Check whether withholding applies to overseas recipients. Double Taxation Treaties may reduce or remove the tax deduction requirement.
  • Reconcile quarterly. Sudden corrections often trigger HMRC queries – consistency matters.
  • Don’t miss the deadline. Late CT61 submissions can lead to interest charges and potential penalties.

19 January 2026 – PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Postal) for Period Ended 5 January 2026

If you pay your PAYE liabilities by post, HMRC must receive your payment for PAYE, National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions by 19 January 2026. This covers payroll and CIS activity for the tax month ending 5 January 2026.

What this deadline applies to:

  • PAYE income tax deducted from employees’ wages
  • Employer & employee NICs
  • CIS deductions withheld from subcontractors
  • Student loan and postgraduate loan deductions
  • Class 1A NIC on termination or sporting testimonial payments (if applicable)

Important: The 19th is the deadline for postal payments only. Most businesses now pay electronically, which extends the deadline to 22 January 2026 (see next section of your article).

Official guidance:

Tips to ensure your payment arrives on time:

  • Avoid posting right after New Year. Bank holidays and mail delays can push payments past the deadline.
  • Use a tracked postal method to confirm delivery if you must pay by post.
  • Double-check your accounts office reference. A single incorrect digit can misroute your payment inside HMRC.
  • Consider switching to electronic payments. Faster, safer and gives you three additional days to meet the deadline.

19 January 2026 – PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Postal) for Quarter Ended 5 January 2026

If you are an eligible small employer paying Pay As You Earn (PAYE), National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions on a quarterly basis, your postal payment for the quarter ending 5 January 2026 must reach HMRC by 19 January 2026.

Who pays quarterly?

  • Employers whose combined monthly PAYE & NIC liability is normally under £1,500
  • Businesses formally approved by HMRC to make quarterly payments

What this quarterly payment includes:

  • Paye tax deducted from employees’ earnings
  • Employer and employee NICs
  • CIS deductions withheld from subcontractors
  • Student loan and postgraduate loan repayments
  • Any statutory payment recoveries/refunds (SMP, SSP, etc.) netted off for the quarter

Official guidance:

Important reminders:

  • This deadline is for postal payments only. Electronic payments for the same period are due by 22 January 2026.
  • Allow for postal delays. January is a peak period, and the deadline falls shortly after the New Year bank holidays.
  • Use the correct Accounts Office reference so HMRC allocates the payment to the correct quarter.
  • Reconcile your payroll records for the entire quarter before submitting your Employer Payment Summary (EPS) if applicable.

19 January 2026 – CIS Return for Payments Made to Subcontractors (Month to 5 January 2026)

If you are registered as a Contractor under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you must submit your CIS return for all payments made to subcontractors in the period ending 5 January 2026 by 19 January 2026.

This monthly return reports:

  • All subcontractor payments made during the period
  • Amounts deducted from subcontractors (20% or 30% depending on status)
  • Verification numbers for newly checked subcontractors
  • Details of any subcontractors paid gross

Where to file your return:

Penalties for missing the deadline:

  • £100 penalty immediately after the deadline
  • Increasing penalties at 2, 6 and 12 months late
  • Possible HMRC compliance checks if returns repeatedly miss deadlines

Key compliance checks before you submit:

  • Verify all new subcontractors with HMRC before making payments – incorrect verification can lead to deductions at the higher 30% rate.
  • Match CIS deductions to your payroll and bookkeeping records to avoid reconciliation issues later in the year.
  • Check for missed invoices – construction businesses often receive late paperwork after the month-end.
  • Submit the return even if you made no payments. A “nil return” is required to avoid penalties.

Do you reclaim CIS deductions? If you are a limited company subcontractor, CIS suffered throughout the tax year can be offset against PAYE/NIC or reclaimed from HMRC at year-end.

22 January 2026 – PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Electronic) for Period Ended 5 January 2026

If you pay your employer liabilities electronically, your Paye (PAYE), National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions for the tax month ending 5 January 2026 must reach HMRC by 22 January 2026.

This deadline applies to businesses paying via:

  • Faster Payments (typically same day)
  • Online or telephone banking
  • BACS (3 working days)
  • CHAPS (same working day)
  • Direct Debit (must be set up in advance)

Official guidance:

Key things to check before paying:

  • Use the correct Accounts Office reference (the 13-digit number unique to your PAYE scheme) – this ensures HMRC allocates the payment to the right month.
  • If paying by BACS, plan ahead. BACS takes three working days, and early January includes bank holidays that can push payments past the deadline.
  • Ensure your payroll software and EPS submissions match your payment amount. Discrepancies may trigger automatic HMRC warnings.
  • Allow extra time for bank security checks. Online banking systems sometimes flag unusually large or infrequent payments.

A note for businesses also running CIS: Your CIS deductions for subcontractors must be included in this payment and reconciled with your submitted CIS return for the same period..

22 January 2026 – PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Electronic) for Quarter Ended 5 January 2026

Employers approved to pay their Paye (PAYE), National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) liabilities on a quarterly basis must ensure their electronic payment for the quarter ending 5 January 2026 reaches HMRC by 22 January 2026.

This deadline applies to electronic payments only, including:

  • Faster Payments (same or next day)
  • Online banking transfers
  • BACS (three working days)
  • CHAPS (same working day)
  • Approved Direct Debit arrangements

Who pays quarterly?

  • Employers whose average monthly PAYE & NIC liability is under £1,500
  • Businesses granted quarterly payment status by HMRC

What this payment covers:

  • Paye tax deductions from employees
  • Employer and employee NICs
  • CIS deductions withheld from subcontractors
  • Student loan and postgraduate loan deductions
  • Any statutory payment recoveries/refunds (SMP, SAP, SPP, SSP) netted off for the quarter

Official HMRC resources:

Tips to ensure smooth payment processing:

  • Check bank holidays. Early January banking schedules can delay BACS and CHAPS payments if not planned correctly.
  • Use the correct 13-digit Accounts Office reference – it guarantees HMRC allocates your payment to the correct quarter.
  • Review your quarterly payroll reconciliation before paying to ensure liabilities match submissions.
  • If paying by Direct Debit, ensure it is already set up, as HMRC cannot collect payments without prior authorisation.

22 January 2026 -PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Electronic) for Quarter Ended 5 January 2026

If HMRC has agreed that you can pay your Paye (PAYE), National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) liabilities on a quarterly basis, your electronic payment for the quarter ending 5 January 2026 must reach HMRC by 22 January 2026.

This deadline applies to electronic payments only, including:

  • Faster Payments (usually same day)
  • Online or mobile banking transfers
  • BACS (three working days)
  • CHAPS (same working day)
  • Direct Debit (if set up in advance with HMRC)

Who can pay quarterly?

  • Employers whose average monthly PAYE/NIC liability is normally under £1,500
  • Businesses that have received HMRC approval to move to quarterly payments

What this quarterly payment should include:

  • Paye income tax deducted from employees’ wages
  • Employer and employee NICs
  • CIS deductions withheld from subcontractors
  • Student loan and postgraduate loan deductions
  • Any statutory payment recoveries/refunds (e.g. SMP, SAP, SPP, SSP) netted off for the quarter

Useful HMRC resources:

22 January 2026 – PAYE, NIC & CIS Payment (Electronic) for Quarter Ended 5 January 2026

If HMRC has agreed that you can pay your Paye (PAYE), National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) liabilities on a quarterly basis, your electronic payment for the quarter ending 5 January 2026 must reach HMRC by 22 January 2026.

This deadline applies to electronic payments only, including:

  • Faster Payments (usually same day)
  • Online or mobile banking transfers
  • BACS (three working days)
  • CHAPS (same working day)
  • Direct Debit (if set up in advance with HMRC)

Who can pay quarterly?

  • Employers whose average monthly PAYE/NIC liability is normally under £1,500
  • Businesses that have received HMRC approval to move to quarterly payments

What this quarterly payment should include:

  • Paye income tax deducted from employees’ wages
  • Employer and employee NICs
  • CIS deductions withheld from subcontractors
  • Student loan and postgraduate loan deductions
  • Any statutory payment recoveries/refunds (e.g. SMP, SAP, SPP, SSP) netted off for the quarter

Useful HMRC resources:

Practical tips to get it right:

  • Plan around bank holidays. January bank holidays and weekends can delay BACS and CHAPS payments if you leave things too late.
  • Use the correct 13-character Accounts Office reference. This ensures HMRC allocates the payment to the right scheme and quarter.
  • Reconcile the full quarter (FPS and EPS submissions vs payroll reports) before you pay, so you’re not constantly correcting under- or over-payments later.
  • Check Direct Debit dates if you use HMRC’s collection service – you still need to submit FPS/EPS on time to trigger the right amount.

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31 January 2026 – Self Assessment Deadline for 2024–25 Online Tax Returns

The Self Assessment deadline for filing your 2024–25 online tax return is 31 January 2026. This is one of the most important dates in the UK tax calendar, as both the return and the balancing tax payment for the year must be completed by midnight.

This deadline applies to individuals who must file because they:

  • Are self-employed or a sole trader with income over £1,000
  • Are a partner in a business partnership
  • Receive untaxed income (e.g. rental profits, dividends, foreign income)
  • Have capital gains to report
  • Need to claim certain tax reliefs
  • Are company directors (unless exempt)

Where to file:

Don’t forget the payments also due on 31 January 2026:

  • Balancing payment for the 2024–25 tax year
  • First Payment on Account for 2025–26 (if applicable)

Penalties for missing the deadline:

  • £100 fixed penalty immediately after midnight, even if no tax is owed
  • Daily penalties after 3 months late
  • Higher penalties at 6 and 12 months late
  • Interest charged automatically on late tax payments

Tips to meet the deadline stress-free:

  • Gather key documents early – P60s, P45s, dividend vouchers, bank interest statements, invoices, expenses records and pension information.
  • Check your HMRC login works before you start – password resets can take days during January’s busy period.
  • Use the HMRC app to quickly check your UTR, tax code, NI number and payment details.
  • Review Payments on Account carefully– many taxpayers overpay because they don’t adjust for lower expected income.
  • Submit early in January – HMRC systems experience heavy traffic toward the deadline.

Useful HMRC resources:

31 January 2026 – Deadline to Amend 2023–24 Self Assessment Tax Returns

If you filed a Self Assessment tax return for the 2023–24 tax year, you have until 31 January 2026 to make any amendments. HMRC allows taxpayers up to 12 months after the original filing deadline to correct mistakes, update income figures or adjust relief claims.

You may need to amend your return if you:

  • Forgot to include income (e.g. rental income, dividends, foreign income, bank interest)
  • Entered incorrect figures from P60s, P45s or other statements
  • Claimed expenses incorrectly or discovered additional allowable expenses
  • Need to update capital gains information
  • Have changes to pension contributions or Gift Aid claims
  • Made an error in Payments on Account or tax relief calculations

How to amend your return:

What happens after an amendment:

  • HMRC recalculates your tax liability
  • You may receive a refund or an additional bill
  • Interest applies to any extra tax owed dating back to the original due date
  • HMRC may request supporting evidence for significant changes

Important things to keep in mind:

  • Don’t wait until the deadline. HMRC processing times can increase significantly in January.
  • Check your figures carefully. Amending a return multiple times can lead to unnecessary HMRC scrutiny.
  • Review capital allowances, rental expenses and business deductions. These are common areas where amendments recover overpaid tax.
  • If you miss the amendment deadline, changes may still be possible through an overpayment relief claim but the rules are stricter and time-limited.

Useful HMRC resources:

31 January 2026 – Self Assessment Balancing Payment for 2024–25

Alongside filing your 2024–25 Self Assessment tax return, the balancing payment for the year is also due by 31 January 2026. This payment clears any remaining tax you owe for the 2024–25 tax year after accounting for Payments on Account and deductions already made at source.

Your balancing payment typically includes:

  • Income Tax due on self-employment profits
  • Income Tax on rental income, dividends or other untaxed income
  • Class 4 National Insurance (if self-employed)
  • Any Class 2 National Insurance due (for self-employed individuals)
  • Capital Gains Tax (if applicable)
  • Adjustments from under- or over-estimated Payments on Account

How to pay:

  • Pay your Self Assessment tax bill online – includes banking options, reference details and processing times.
  • Payments must reach HMRC by midnight on 31 January, depending on method used (Faster Payments recommended).

Penalties and interest:

  • Interest applies immediately from 1 February on any outstanding balancing payment.
  • Late filing penalties also apply if the tax return itself is not submitted on time.

Tips to avoid overpaying or underpaying:

  • Check your Payments on Account. If your income fell in 2024–25, you may be able to reduce them before paying.
  • Review all income sources carefully. Even small amounts (e.g. bank interest) can affect your final calculation.
  • Use HMRC’s Self Assessment calculator within your online account to confirm the amount due.
  • Pay early if possible. HMRC systems become extremely busy in the final 48 hours of January.

Useful HMRC guidance:

31 January 2026 – First Payment on Account for 2025–26

In addition to filing your 2024–25 tax return and paying your balancing payment, many taxpayers must also make their first Payment on Account for the 2025–26 tax year by 31 January 2026.

Payments on Account are advance payments towards next year’s tax bill. HMRC requires them if your tax liability for 2024–25 (after tax deducted at source) is more than £1,000 and less than 80% of your tax has already been collected through PAYE.

How Payments on Account work:

  • You make two payments each year: 31 January and 31 July.
  • Each payment is normally 50% of your previous year’s tax bill.
  • Your 31 January payment includes both the balancing payment for 2024–25 and the first advance payment for 2025–26.

Where to pay:

Can you reduce your Payment on Account?

  • Yes – if you expect your income for 2025–26 to be lower, you can apply to reduce your Payments on Account.
  • However, underestimating can lead to interest charges later when HMRC finds the true amount owed.
  • You can reduce them online through your HMRC Self Assessment account or via your tax software.

Tips to avoid surprises:

  • Review your projected income early. Many taxpayers reduce Payments on Account unnecessarily or fail to reduce them when they should.
  • Check that the figure shown in your HMRC account matches your tax calculation.
  • Budget for the July payment now. The second instalment on 31 July 2026 often catches people off guard.
  • Use the HMRC app to quickly check your tax liabilities and payment deadlines.

Useful HMRC resources:

31 January 2026 – Final Deadline to File Outstanding 2021–22 Returns to Displace a Determination

If HMRC has issued a determination for your 2021–22 Self Assessment tax return because you failed to file on time, you have until 31 January 2026 to submit the outstanding return and replace the determination with the correct tax calculation.

A determination is HMRC’s estimated assessment of your tax bill. It is legally enforceable and often higher than the true liability because it is based on assumed figures rather than your actual income.

What happens if you submit by 31 January 2026?

  • Your submitted 2021–22 return will displace HMRC’s estimated determination.
  • HMRC will recalculate your tax correctly using the figures you provide.
  • You may receive a refund if the determination overstated your liability.
  • You avoid being permanently locked into an estimated bill.

What happens if you miss this deadline?

  • You lose the right to displace the determination.
  • The estimated tax liability becomes final and enforceable, regardless of your actual income.
  • Any appeal becomes significantly more difficult and may require special HMRC discretion.
  • Interest and penalties continue to build on the determined amount.

How to file your outstanding return:

  • Submit your 2021–22 return online (if still available via your HMRC account)
  • If online filing for that year is closed, you may need to file using commercial software or a paper return
  • HMRC may require additional information if your tax affairs are now significantly overdue

Key points to check before filing:

  • Gather all income documents for 2021–22 – P60s, bank interest, dividends, rental accounts, pension statements.
  • Include all allowable expenses if self-employed – late returns often miss deductions, meaning you pay more than necessary.
  • Check CIS suffered if you worked in the construction sector that year.
  • Ensure accuracy – HMRC may scrutinise late submissions more closely.

Useful HMRC resources:

31 January 2026 – National Insurance Deferral Deadline (Form CA72A) for the Self-Employed

Self-employed individuals who have both self-employment income and employment income may be able to defer part of their Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs). To request this, you must submit Form CA72A to HMRC by 31 January 2026 for the 2024–25 tax year.

Deferral prevents you from overpaying NICs when your combined income streams mean you may already have reached the annual contribution limits.

Who can apply for NIC deferral?

  • Self-employed individuals who also work as an employee
  • Those with high employment earnings that may already cover the maximum Class 1 NIC thresholds
  • Anyone who expects their income mix to cause NIC overpayments without deferral

What deferral applies to:

  • Class 2 NIC – flat-rate weekly contributions
  • Class 4 NIC – calculated on self-employment profits

Where to access Form CA72A:

Why apply?

  • To avoid overpaying NICs across different income sources
  • To prevent HMRC recalculations and refunds months later
  • To keep contributions aligned with annual NIC limits

Key points before applying:

  • HMRC does not automatically adjust NIC across mixed income streams. Deferral must be requested – otherwise excess NIC may be charged.
  • You must continue paying NIC normally until HMRC confirms deferral or instructs otherwise.
  • Deferral does not reduce your entitlement to State Pension or benefits – contributions are still recorded correctly once assessed.
  • Submit early. HMRC processing times are slowest during January Self Assessment season.

Useful resources:

31 January 2026 – IR35 Deadline to Amend 2024–25 Deemed Payment Calculations and Pay Any PAYE/NIC Balance

Businesses and public sector bodies responsible for operating IR35 (Off-Payroll Working) rules have until 31 January 2026 to amend or correct any 2024–25 deemed payment calculations and to settle any outstanding Paye (PAYE) and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) resulting from those corrections.

This deadline applies to:

  • Medium and large private sector clients caught by IR35
  • Public authorities engaging off-payroll workers
  • Any organisation responsible for assessing employment status and operating PAYE/NIC on deemed payments

What must be corrected by this date?

  • Errors in the original IR35 status determination
  • Incorrectly calculated deemed employment payments
  • Missed or under-reported PAYE/NIC liabilities
  • Adjustments where further payments or recharges were made to the worker’s intermediary

Where to update your figures:

Payments required by 31 January 2026:

  • Any underpaid PAYE from 2024–25 deemed payments
  • Employer NIC due on corrected deemed earnings
  • Employee NIC adjustments (if the organisation is responsible for operating PAYE)

Why this deadline matters:

  • Interest begins accruing on unpaid liabilities from the original payment date.
  • Late corrections may trigger compliance checks from HMRC.
  • Persistent errors in IR35 processes are now a high-priority enforcement area for HMRC.

Key checks before submitting corrections:

  • Review all status determinations for off-payroll workers during the 2024–25 tax year.
  • Ensure your deemed payment calculations include allowable deductions (e.g. employer pension contributions, apprenticeship levy where applicable).
  • Reconcile the amounts paid to intermediaries against the deemed employment figures reported to HMRC.
  • Check communications issued to contractors – consistency helps prevent disputes or appeals.

Useful HMRC resources:

31 January 2026 – EFRBS Reporting Deadline for Schemes Starting in 2024–25

Employers who set up or operated an Employer-Financed Retirement Benefits Scheme (EFRBS) during the 2024–25 tax year must report the scheme to HMRC by 31 January 2026. This reporting requirement applies to both UK and non-UK EFRBS arrangements that provide retirement benefits outside of registered pension schemes.

An EFRBS is any scheme other than a registered pension scheme that offers retirement, death or pension-related benefits to employees or directors, often used for supplementary or unfunded benefit arrangements.

Who must report:

  • UK employers who establish or contribute to an EFRBS
  • Overseas employers with UK-resident employees benefiting from an EFRBS
  • Companies providing retirement-related benefits through unregistered or bespoke arrangements

What must be reported:

  • Full scheme details including structure, purpose and funding
  • Any contributions made by the employer
  • Benefits provided or earmarked for employees/directors
  • Details of any loans or asset transfers connected to the scheme

Where to find guidance:

Why this deadline matters:

  • HMRC closely scrutinises EFRBS due to historic avoidance risks.
  • Late reporting may result in penalties and follow-up compliance checks.
  • Incorrect or incomplete reporting can trigger further investigation of employer benefit arrangements.

Key checks before reporting:

  • Confirm whether the benefit arrangement qualifies as an EFRBS. Some employer-funded structures inadvertently fall within the rules.
  • Ensure all contributions and benefits are correctly documented. EFRBS accounting can be complex, especially where assets or loans are involved.
  • Review any loans made to employees or directors. These are frequently reviewed by HMRC for disguised remuneration concerns.
  • Consider obtaining specialist advice if your scheme is offshore or has bespoke trust arrangements.

31 January 2026 – Plastic Packaging Tax Return & Payment for Quarter Ended 31 December 2025

Businesses registered for Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) must submit their quarterly return and pay any tax due for the period ending 31 December 2025 by 31 January 2026. This applies to manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging components containing less than 30% recycled plastic.

PPT is charged at a rate per tonne of plastic packaging liable during the period. Even if no tax is due, you must still file a return if you are registered.

Who must file a PPT return?

  • Businesses that manufacture or import 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging in a 12-month period
  • Companies responsible for the last “substantial modification” of plastic packaging components
  • Importers of filled or unfilled packaging that meets PPT criteria

What to include in your PPT return:

  • Total weight of plastic packaging manufactured or imported
  • Amount of packaging containing less than 30% recycled content
  • Exempt or excluded packaging (e.g. medical, transport, human medicines packaging)
  • Any adjustments or corrections from earlier periods

Where to file and pay:

Important reminders:

  • You must keep detailed records showing how you calculated recycled content and weights – HMRC requires evidence even if no tax is payable.
  • Do not assume suppliers’ claims. You must verify recycled content certifications or test results.
  • Review your supply chain. Errors often arise from miscategorising imported packaging.
  • Submit early. January is peak filing season for HMRC systems.

Possible penalties:

  • Late filing penalties apply immediately after the deadline
  • Interest charged on late PPT payments
  • Compliance checks – PPT has become a growing enforcement focus since introduction in April 2022

January Accounting Deadlines Conclusion

January is always a demanding month for financial management, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of each deadline, you can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary costs. By planning ahead, keeping accurate records and using HMRC’s digital services early, most businesses can move through this peak period smoothly.

If you’re unsure about any of the requirements listed in this guide or simply want expert support to handle filings, calculations or submissions on your behalf, our team at Accounting Wise is here to help. We work with businesses, contractors and self-employed professionals across the UK to keep their accounts in order and ensure no key date is ever missed.

Need assistance with Self Assessment, payroll, VAT or year-end planning? Get in touch and let us take care of the compliance, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

Need help with your accounts? Contact Accounting Wise Today!

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Accounting Wise is a trading style of Accounting Wise Ltd, a limited company registered in England under company number 09365202. Our registered office is: The Carriages, Station Road, Ware, SG12 9PL UK.

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