Petition · HM Treasury
Change the UK tax year to start on the 1st of January
Closed
55 signatures
What the petition asks
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April, a relic of 1752 when Britain switched calendars and “lost” 11 days. That historical quirk made sense then - but today, it’s a barrier to simplicity and global alignment. Let's modernise our system for ease and alignment with over 120 other countries.
• Global Standard: Over 120 countries start their tax year on 1 January, including the USA, Canada, and most of Europe.
• Simplification: Aligning with the calendar year would make payroll, budgeting, and reporting easier for businesses and individuals.
• International Competitiveness: UK companies trading globally face unnecessary complexity because our tax year doesn’t match international norms.
• Easier financial planning.
• Reduced accounting costs.
• Fewer errors and compliance headaches.
• Simplification: Aligning with the calendar year would make payroll, budgeting, and reporting easier for businesses and individuals.
• International Competitiveness: UK companies trading globally face unnecessary complexity because our tax year doesn’t match international norms.
• Easier financial planning.
• Reduced accounting costs.
• Fewer errors and compliance headaches.
Timeline
| 15 Jan 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 15 Jul 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
55
Status
Closed
Department
HM Treasury
Opened
15 Jan 2026
Closed
15 Jul 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 18 Aug 2026.