Knowledge Hub
Plain-English guides, short videos and the tax dates that matter.
VAT · Written by AMAS · 6 min read
When do I actually have to register for VAT?
The threshold, the rolling twelve-month test, and the mistake that catches most growing businesses.
Self assessment · Written by AMAS · 5 min read
Self assessment deadlines and what the penalties really cost
Filing dates, payments on account, and how the fines stack up if you miss them.
Payroll & pension · Written by AMAS · 7 min read
Auto-enrolment duties when you take on your first employee
What you owe, when the clock starts, and what to tell your new starter.
Bookkeeping · Written by AMAS · 4 min read
Xero or QuickBooks for a small UK business?
An honest comparison based on the businesses we run on both.
Videos
Short explainers on the questions we hear most. Tap to play.
Key tax dates
The deadlines that catch people out. A date on a weekend usually rolls to the next working day — check the current HMRC dates, or ask us.
Self Assessment
- Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year you need to report.
- Paper returns are due by 31 October; online returns by 31 January.
- Pay the balance for the year by 31 January, with a second payment on account by 31 July.
VAT
- Under Making Tax Digital, VAT returns are filed with compatible software.
- Most returns and payments are due one calendar month and seven days after the end of each quarter.
Corporation Tax & accounts
- Corporation Tax is usually payable nine months and one day after your year end.
- The CT600 return is due twelve months after your year end.
- Company accounts are filed with Companies House, with confirmation statements each year.
Payroll (PAYE)
- Report payroll to HMRC on or before each payday, and pay PAYE by the 22nd of the following month.
- Give employees a P60 by 31 May and report benefits (P11D) by 6 July.