2026 key money dates for your diary

Here are the key money dates in 2026 that’ll hit your pocket – from benefit boosts to bill hikes. Pop them in your calendar and stay one step ahead. Think of this as your financial sat-nav for the year.

1 January – energy price cap rises

The year kicks off with energy bills going up. The cap’s nudged up by 0.2%, so expect a few more pennies on your monthly payment. It’s gone up to £1,758 (was £1,755 previously).

31 January – self-assessment deadline

If you’re self-employed or have extra income, this is your last day to file your tax return and pay what you owe. Miss it and HMRC will slap you with a £100 fine.

5 February – Bank of England interest rate decision

The base rate gets reviewed. If you’ve got a mortgage or savings, this could mean your payments go up or down. Keep an eye out – it matters.

26 February – energy price cap announcement

This is the heads-up for April’s energy prices. Could be good news, could be bad – either way, it’ll affect your bills from April 1. Gives you a chance to decide if you want to go on a fixed tariff or stay on the price cap.

1 April – the big bill day

• Council tax likely rises – Local councils can increase council taxes by up to 4.99%.
• Water bills go up – Average household will pay more for the same splash.
• New energy price cap kicks in – Another shake-up for your bills as the new energy price cap comes into force.
• Car tax changes – Road tax is due to go up across the board, with new EV tax rules introduced.
• TV licence increase – It’ll cost a little more to watch live TV.
• Minimum wage rises – Finally, some good news for pay packets as minimum wages are due to increase by as much as 8.5%.

5 April – end of tax year

Last chance to use your ISA allowances. Don’t leave free money on the table. Remember, you get £20,000 per year tax free. But this doesn't carry over into the new year if you don't make full use of it.

6 April – benefits and state pension increase

• State Pension goes up by 4.8% – a few extra quid each week.
• Most benefits rise by around 3.8% too – Universal Credit and others get a boost.

30 April – Bank of England interest rate meeting

Another rate review. Could mean changes to your mortgage or savings depending on whether the rate is cut or stays the same.

18 June – Bank of England interest rate meeting

Same drill – another decision that affects borrowing and saving.

30 July – Bank of England interest rate meeting

Summer heat, and maybe hotter interest rates. A good opportunity to look at where to put your savings, especially if rates are cut as then interest rates fall.

31 July – self-assessment payment on account

If you’re self-employed, this is your second payment on account deadline. Miss it and you’ll owe interest.

17 September – Bank of England interest rate meeting

Autumn brings another rate call. Keep an eye out and make decisions about your savings and mortage accordingly.

5 October – deadline to register for self-assessment

If you’ve started earning extra or gone self-employed, register for self employment now or risk a fine. It takes a couple of weeks to get registered, so it's worth doing sooner than later. You don't want an end-of-year scramble.

31 October – paper tax return deadline

Old-school? This is your last day to send a paper return for the 2025/26 tax year, so best to get on with it now.

5 November – Bank of England interest rate meeting

Bonfire Night and another rate decision. Fireworks for your finances?

26 November – Black Friday

The big shopping day. Great for bargains, but don’t blow your budget on stuff you don’t need.

There you have it – the dates that matter for your wallet in 2026. Pop them in your calendar, set reminders, and you’ll dodge fines and bill shocks. And if you're struggling, don't forget to take a look at our cost of living hub which is packed with money saving resources.