Corporation Tax Payment Deadline: When Limited Companies Must Pay

For most UK limited companies, Corporation Tax is due before the Company Tax Return is filed. The usual payment deadline is 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period, while the return is usually due 12 months after that period ends. Treating these as the same deadline is a common and avoidable mistake.

Work from your accounting period, not the tax year

A company's deadlines follow its own accounting period. For example, a company with a 31 March year end would usually pay by 1 January of the following calendar year. Confirm the dates in your Company Tax account and do not rely on a generic calendar entry if your accounts period changes.

What needs to be ready before payment?

• Up-to-date bookkeeping and a reliable profit calculation.
• Adjustments for relevant tax rules, reliefs and capital allowances.
• A payment plan early enough to clear the bill by the deadline.

Large companies can be different

Some large companies pay Corporation Tax in instalments, so the standard deadline is not universal. Groups and companies with associated companies can also have more complex calculations. Seek qualified advice when the business is growing, has overseas activity or has unusual transactions.