Glossary

Tax year

The tax year runs 6 April to 5 April for individuals, while companies use their own accounting period — two clocks directors must keep straight.

2 min read

6 Apr–5 AprFor individuals
Ownfor companies

Definition

The tax year for individuals in the UK runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Companies instead use their own accounting period for corporation tax, which need not align with it.

In plain terms

For personal tax — including a director's Self Assessment — the year is the odd 6 April to 5 April span. A company's tax life follows its own financial year instead.

Why it matters for your company

Directors juggle two clocks: their personal tax year and the company's accounting period. Keeping the two straight avoids missed deadlines and helps plan dividends and pay across the right periods.

Funding for UK limited companies

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