The Dates to Put in Your Financial Diary Now!
As we move through 2026, a number of important financial changes and deadlines will affect individuals, landlords and business owners alike. By knowing what’s coming up and when, you can plan ahead, avoid unnecessary penalties, and make better financial decisions throughout the year.
Below is a practical month-by-month guide to the key dates worth keeping on your radar.
January: A strong start matters
The year begins with changes to household and business costs, but the biggest pressure point comes at the end of the month.
Key dates
- 1 January: New energy price cap comes into effect (set by Ofgem)
- 31 January:
- Online Self Assessment tax return deadline (2024–25)
- Tax payment due
- First payment on account for 2025–26
Missing this deadline can result in automatic penalties, so preparation is essential.
February: Watch interest rates
February doesn’t bring a filing deadline, but it does bring an important economic signal.
Key date
- February: First base rate decision of the year by the Bank of England
This can influence mortgage rates, borrowing costs and savings returns.
March: Support deadlines approach
As the end of the financial year approaches, some government support schemes close.
Key date
- 31 March:
- Household Support Fund ends
- Deadline to claim Winter Fuel Payment (if not paid automatically)
Checking eligibility before the deadline could provide valuable support.
April: The biggest month for change
April is the most important month in the financial calendar, bringing wage rises, tax year changes and benefit updates.
Key dates
- 1 April:
- National Living Wage increases
- Council tax rises begin
- Other household bill increases
- Two-child benefit cap removed
- 5 April: End of the tax year
- Last chance to use ISA allowances
- Pension and other tax allowances reset
- 6 April: Start of the new tax year (2026–27)
- New tax rules apply
- Earliest date to file 2025–26 tax return
- Dividend tax rates increase by 2%:
- Basic rate: 8.75% → 10.75%
- Higher rate: 33.75% → 35.75%
- Additional rate: unchanged at 39.35%
- The £500 Dividend Allowance remains in place.
- Changes to the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme take effect, expanding eligibility for growing businesses by increasing asset and employee limits, doubling the company-wide option cap, and extending the option exercise period to 15 years. Read more about benefits in our EMI Scheme article
- Mid-April:
- State pension increases
- Most working-age benefits rise
July: Mid-year tax and energy updates
By mid-year, attention returns to energy costs and self-assessment payments.
Key dates
- 1 July: New energy price cap comes into effect
- 31 July: Second payment on account due
This payment often catches people out if cash flow hasn’t been planned.
August: Education costs rise
August brings changes for families planning or supporting higher education (except Scotland).
Key date
- 1 August: University tuition fees increase in England
It’s a good time to review student finance and household budgets.
September: Extra help for families
As the school year begins, additional support becomes available for eligible families.
Key date
- 1 September: Free school meals eligibility expands for families on Universal Credit
October: Final deadlines and the Budget
October includes important administrative deadlines and key government announcements.
Key dates
- 1 October: New energy price cap comes into effect
- 5 October: Deadline to register for Self Assessment (new filers)
- 31 October: Deadline to submit paper Self Assessment tax return
- October / November: Autumn Budget announced
The Autumn Budget may introduce tax and policy changes affecting the year ahead.
Why staying ahead matters
Being aware of these dates helps you:
- Avoid late-filing penalties
- Plan tax payments and cash flow
- Make the most of allowances and reliefs
- Prepare early for household and business cost changes
If you’re unsure how any of these dates apply to you, or would like help planning ahead, speaking to a member of our team early can make a real difference.