Key financial dates 2026: energy price cap, Self Assessment deadline and more

There are some important dates to be aware of, which could have big repercussions for your financial health.

There are many key events and deadlines that could have a huge impact on your finances this year  

We’ve picked out some of the key dates to be aware of and why they could have an impact on your bank balance.

1 January: Energy Price Cap increases

The energy regulator will raise the Energy Price Cap slightly this week. 

Between January and March 2025, the annual cap, which is set by Ofgem, will stand at £1,758 for a typical household that pays for dual fuel (gas and electricity) by Direct Debit. 

This is up 0.2% from £1,755 between October and December last year and, for the average household, represents an increase of £3.

It will then be revised every three months – at the start of April, July and October – in response to changes to wholesale energy prices.

28 January: Winter Fuel Payment deadline

With the numerous changes made to Winter Fuel Payments over the last 18 months, there may well be some confusion over who is eligible and who isn't.

The payments are made automatically and usually arrive in November or December, although the latest it can be sent is January 28.

So if you were expecting to receive it this Winter and haven't had it by then, you'll need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

31 January: online Self Assessment deadline

If you’re filing your Self Assessment tax return online, midnight on 31 January is the latest you can do it to avoid a fine.

You’ll also need to pay any outstanding tax by this date.

If you're paying your bill online, make sure you allow a few days for the funds to clear, or you could still find yourself liable for a fine. 

April 1: Minimum Wage hike

Millions of the lowest-paid workers will see their pay packets increase sharply from April.

Following changes announced in the Budget, the minimum wage for workers aged under 21 will rise by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour.

For workers aged 21 and over, there will be a smaller increase of 4.1%, taking the minimum pay to £12.71 an hour.

April 6: State Pension increases 4.8%

Retirees are in for another big increase to their State Pension payments next year, thanks to the triple lock.

Those on the full New State Pension will see their weekly income rise by 4.8% in April, boosting annual incomes from £12,016 to £12,547.

For those on an old Basic State Pension, pension incomes will rise from £9,175 to £9,614.

April 6: Council Tax bills to rise for most

While most councils will only announce their exact increases early in 2026, we do know that most are likely to hike theirs by around 5% in April.

With the average Band D Council Tax bill currently standing at £2,280, this would result in an annual hike of £114.

September: Fuel Duty gradually increased

When wholesale oil prices were soaring in 2022, the Government announced a temporary 5p reduction to Fuel Duty.

This will be gradually phased out between September 2026 and March 2027.

Once fully reintroduced, this will add roughly £3 to the cost of filling up your tank.

October 31: paper Self Assessment filing deadline

Anyone who files their Self Assessment tax return on physical paper will need to ensure they do so by October 31.

Note this is the date it has to be with the taxman, so you'll need to post it a few days earlier.

If it's your first ever time filing it, be aware that the deadline to register for Self Assessment is October 8.