Major money rules and dates in 2026 on fuel, alcohol, energy and tax | Personal Finance | Finance
2026 is set to bring a host of crucial deadlines and dates that households need to be aware of to prevent unexpected financial shocks. The new tax year commencing in April will see many changes announced in Rachel Reeves’ latest Budget come into effect for the first time.
In addition, those using vapes, tobacco, fuel, and even cryptocurrencies will see significant changes throughout 2026, impacting how they are taxed and the cost of these products. Failing to budget appropriately for these key dates could lead to financial upheaval for some households and businesses.
January
From January 1, a new energy price cap will be introduced, adding an extra 28p per month to the average household energy bill.
Also on January 1, new regulations for cryptocurrency users will require them to provide identifying details to service providers before buying, selling, transferring or exchanging crypto assets. This change aims to simplify the government’s calculation of tax owed by crypto owners.
January 31 marks the deadline for the self-assessment tax, when online returns must be submitted and any tax due on that return paid.
February
On February 1, alcohol duty will rise by 3.66%, likely leading to more expensive pints.
March
From March 1, rail fares will remain static, breaking from the annual increase in line with the RPI measure of inflation.
The deadline for claiming Winter Fuel Payments falls on March 31.
April
From April 1, the National Living Wage will increase by 4.1%, and the minimum wage for workers aged 18 to 20 will rise by 8.5%. Workers aged 16 or 17 and apprentices will receive a pay boost of 6%.
NHS prescription charges will remain at £9.90 per single prescription.
New business rates bills will be adjusted to reflect changes in property values, as reported by Money Week.
On April 5, the tax year ends, marking the deadline for ISA holders to utilise as much of their annual £20,000 allowance as they can.
From April 6, state pension and benefit payments will see an increase.
Dividend tax will jump from 8.75% to 10.75% for basic rate taxpayers and from 33.75% to 35.75% for higher rate taxpayers.
Remote workers will no longer be eligible for tax relief on their home working expenses.
July
From July 15, new regulations will be introduced for Buy Now Pay Later providers to better support customers and inform them of potential risks, such as offering assistance if they fall into financial difficulty.
August
On August 31, the temporary fuel duty freeze will end, with the government planning to gradually phase out the 5p cut until it disappears in March 2027.
October
From October 1, a new tax will be levied on vaping products at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid.
October 5 is the deadline to register for self-assessment tax returns for the previous tax year.
The deadline to submit paper self-assessment tax returns is October 31.
November
On November 26, tobacco duty will increase by RPI inflation rates plus two percentage points.
