There are several important money dates coming up in 2026 that could affect your finances.

Below, we highlight the key dates you should mark in your diary.

JANUARY

1 January: Ofgem energy price cap update
Influences household and business energy costs, shaping inflation assumptions.

2 January: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

31 January: Self-assessment tax return deadline
Final deadline for submitting your 2024/25 tax return and paying any tax owed; late submission may incur penalties and interest.

FEBRUARY

2 February: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

5 February: Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting
First of the year. Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

MARCH

2 March: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

2 March: Free Wills Month
Allows you to provide for family and friends and leave a gift to your chosen charities too.

3 March: 2026 Spring Statement
Update on the UK’s economic and fiscal outlook.

19 March: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

APRIL

1 April: National Living Wage increase
The National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over.

1 April: Ofgem energy price cap update
Influences household and business energy costs, shaping inflation assumptions.

1 April: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

5 April: End of 2025/26 tax year
Last chance to make use of:
– ISA subscriptions
– Pension contributions (annual allowance)
– CGT planning and disposals
– Dividend income timing
– Bed & ISA strategies

6 April: First day of the 2026/27 tax year
Allowances reset; new tax rules applied:
– Dividend tax rates rise (ordinary ~10.75%)
– VCT income tax relief cut to 20%
– EIS limits updated under Budget rules
– Married Couple’s & Blind Person’s Allowances increased for inflation

6 April: State Pension rises
Increase by 4.8%, based on average earnings, meaning someone on the full new state pension will see their weekly payments rise from £230.25 to £241.30.

30 April: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

MAY

1 May: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

31 May: Deadline for P60 forms
For tax returns, loan applications, or benefit claims.

JUNE

1 June: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

18 June: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

JULY

1 July: Ofgem energy price cap update
Influences household and business energy costs, shaping inflation assumptions.

1 July: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

30 July: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

31 July: Payment on account deadline
Helps self-employed and direct tax clients stay on track with 2026/27 prepayments

AUGUST

1 August: University tuition fees increase
England’s maximum university tuition fees increase with inflation, from £9,250 to £9,535 per year.

3 August: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

31 August: Temporary fuel duty reduction ends
From this date onwards, the 5p cut will be gradually unwound, until it disappears altogether by March 2027

SEPTEMBER

1 September: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

15 September: Pension Awareness Day
Aims to raise awareness about the importance of retirement planning. Visit the Pension Awareness Day website for further information.

17 September: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

OCTOBER

1 October: Ofgem energy price cap update
Influences household and business energy costs, shaping inflation assumptions.

1 October: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

5 October: Deadline to register for self-assessment
You have until this date to tell HMRC if you want to submit a self-assessment tax return for the previous year.

31 October: Deadline for paper self-assessment tax returns
If you prefer the paper method of filing your tax return then this must be submitted by 31 October.

October/November (tbc): Autumn Budget
Usually delivered in the second half of October. Any changes announced could impact tax, funding or employer costs.

NOVEMBER

2 November: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

5 November: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

DECEMBER

1 December: Premium Bonds prize draw
High value winners are announced on the first working day of the month.

17 December: Bank of England MPC meeting
Affects interest rate decisions, mortgage rates, gilt yields, foreign exchange, and risk assets.

31 December: Year-end portfolio adjustments
Proactive period for year-end tax planning:
– CGT harvesting / crystallisation
– Dividend timing
– Gifting & inheritance strategy
– ISA & pension planning for first two thirds of tax year

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If you do not have a plan for your future finances or would like some advice on your current situation, please get in touch.

Please remember, this content is provided for information purposes only. Investment involves risk. Past performance is not a guarantee or indication of future results. Investment return and the principal value of an investment may go up or down and may result in the loss of the amount originally invested. All investors should seek professional advice prior to any investment decision, to determine the risks associated with the investment and its suitability.